The 'open and candid' discussion between Richard Marles and China marks the end of Australia's diplomatic standstill

The disputed intercept of an Australian plane by a Chinese jet last month, as well as larger Pacific issues, were discussed, according to the defence minister.

Richard Marles, Australia's deputy prime minister, met with China's defence minister for an hour in Singapore, marking the highest level of in-person communication between the two countries in almost three years.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the Shang....