TRANSCRIPT
- Trade and security on the agenda as Anthony Albanese prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping
- Donald Trump threatens Russia with tariffs, if war on Ukraine isn't resolved within 50 days
- In the AFL, a St Kilda star who's received online racist abuse considers taking the matter to police
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today with trade, security and the fate of jailed Chinese Australian writer Yang Hengjun on the agenda.
Labor's promise to bring the Port of Darwin - currently leased by a Chinese company - back into Australian hands is expected to be a point of contention, with some businesses warning the move could prompt economic retaliation from Australia's largest trading partner.
While in Shanghai yesterday, Mr Albanese met with Australian iron ore producers and Chinese steelmakers, urging industry leaders from both countries to work together to develop low-carbon steel.
He said emission reduction presents economic opportunity - as well as challenges.
"We have an interest in maximising the economic benefit. Part of that benefit will be about first mover advantage and decarbonisations. I've spoken about the opportunity of climate change as well as the challenge which is there."
---
The French Ambassador to Australia says bilateral relations with Australia are an important part of France's strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
France is one of 19 nations participating in Australia's largest ever military exercises, known as Talisman Sabre, taking place over the next three weeks around the country and in Papua New Guinea.
French Ambassador to Australia, Pierre-André Imbert told SBS French that their involvement in the drills reflects the importance of the relationship shared by the countries.
"The military cooperation, which is significant between France and Australia, is part of the roadmap set for us by President Emmanuel Macron as part of his Indo-Pacific strategy. He came in person to reaffirm it in Singapore last May, delivering a very strong and important speech about what it means to be an independent state in the world and in the region."
Around 35,000 personnel are taking part in Talisman Sabre, which includes fire drills, air combat, and maritime operations.
---
US President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with severe tariffs if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
He made the announcement alongside NATO secretary general Mark Rutte at the White House, after the pair held a meeting.
He says secondary tariffs of 100 per cent would target Russia's remaining trade partners, if Russia doesn't co-operate.
"And as you know, we've spent $350 billion, approximately, on this war with Russia and Ukraine. And we'd like to see it end. It wasn't my war. It was Biden's war. It's not my war. I'm trying to get you out of it. And we want to see it end. And I'm disappointed in (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago, but it doesn't seem to get there."
President Trump also said he will commit Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine, and that the US would be reimbursed for their cost by European and NATO allies.
The announcement has been welcomed by Ukraine, with the defence system considered one of the most advanced in the US weapons arsenal.
---
Australia's antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal has been called on to resign after it was revealed a trust linked to her husband made a controversial donation.
The Lebanese Muslim Association says the envoy's position is no longer tenable and that her response to the donation rings hollow.
It has argued in a statement that Segal cannot credibly lead efforts against antisemitism while remaining silent about, or benefiting from, the funding of organisations that it says fuel other forms of racism and bigotry.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said it's a matter for Ms Segal as to whether she stays or goes.
---
To sport, the abuse of the two Indigenous players has been denounced by their clubs and the AFL, who are now working together with the League's integrity unit to identify those responsible.
St Kilda's Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Port Adelaide's Jase Burgoyne have been sent racist messages online after their teams' matches over the weekend.
Wanganeen-Milera is now weighing up whether to take the messages to the police.
St Kilda's CEO, Carl Dilena, says the club stands behind Wanganeen-Milera - and is doing all it can to help identify the person responsible for these messages.
"We'll continue with Nas and the integrity department and in following pu and trying to determine who may be responsible for this sort of behaviour. But in the end in a way it comes a little bit too late just policing it and tracking it down. We call out all people in society just to take a stand for these sort of issues. If you have someone that you know who makes these sort of comments call them out. Stand up for it. Stand up for our First Nations people and help us eradicate this sort of behaviour."
