Regional democracies including US, Japan and India step up cooperation on cybersecurity

Australia will spend $500,000 setting up a tech network among the “Quad” democracies – Australia, the United States, Japan and India – against the backdrop of worsening tensions with China.

The move signals an increased focus on cybersecurity and sensitive technology issues – such as protecting 5G networks and ensuring artificial intelligence is not misused – in a regional grouping viewed warily by Beijing.

Related: China to Australia: stop treating us as a threat or we won’t pick up the phone

Related: China warns Australia and Japan over 'confrontational' new defence pact