Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Xi Jinping; Russia launches massive drone barrage on Ukraine, killing at least six people; and in sport, Panthers prepare for a future without Ivan Cleary
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TRANSCRIPT
- Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Xi Jinping
- Russia launches massive drone barrage on Ukraine, killing at least six people
- Panthers prepare for a future without Ivan Cleary
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first visit to China by an American leader in nine years.
The summit comes as Trump faces mounting pressure over the war in Iran and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global markets and driven up economic uncertainty.
China’s influence over Tehran is expected to dominate discussions, with Beijing seen as one of the few powers capable of persuading Iran back towards negotiations. Analysts say China may seek concessions from Washington before offering any significant diplomatic help.
Taiwan, trade and technology are also expected to feature heavily in talks.
While both sides are hoping to stabilise relations, observers say the meeting will also be a test of strength between the world’s two biggest powers.
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At least six people have been killed and dozens wounded, including children, in one of Russia's longest attacks in its war on Ukraine.
Russia fired at least 800 drones in a massive daytime barrage on about 20 regions of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the attack began in mid-morning and lasted for hours in the capital of Kyiv, the western city of Lviv near Poland and the port of Odessa on the Black Sea, among other population centres.
He is cautioning that a cruise and ballistic missile attack could follow the drone barrage, telling a meeting of regional allies at the Bucharest Nine that reengaging peace talks is a priority.
"Of course, we are not giving up on diplomatic efforts, and we hope that pressure on Russia, together with negotiations in different formats, will help bring peace. Sanctions are working. Our long-range capabilities are working, and every form of your pressure is working. We are in constant contact with our American partners."
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is defending his government's changes to the tax system as necessary for younger Australians locked out of the housing market.
The tax changes revealed in the federal budget include scrapping the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount, and limiting negative gearing perks to apply only to newly-built investment properties.
The Coalition has accused the Prime Minister of lying to voters when he made a pre-election promise not to make changes to negative gearing or the capital gains tax.
Speaking to SBS News, Mr Albanese says the budget reflects his government's commitment to give more young people the opportunity to buy their own home.
"We are acting to make sure that we change the way the tax system works. And the truth is, people have called for tax reform for a long time, to make sure we get a better balance to make sure we get a better balance between income earned from working with income earned from owning assets. That's what these changes do."
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Twelve people have been killed in a series of Israeli strikes on vehicles in southern Lebanon, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues ahead of a third round of US mediated talks.
Smoke was seen billowing across southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops remained positioned along the border, more than 10 weeks into the conflict linked to the Iran war.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah says the commander of its elite Radwan force was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs last week.
Despite a ceasefire announced last month, Hezbollah and Israel have continued exchanging fire, mainly in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces occupy what they describe as a security zone.
Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, says the agency has concerns about peacekeepers' safety.
"UNIFIL continues to remind all actors to avoid operating in proximity of United Nations positions and personnel, and further urge all actors to avoid any actions that could put peacekeepers in danger."
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New SBS Managing Director, Jane Palfreyman, says she wants to ensure the broadcaster continues to reflect the makeup of modern Australia.
Ms Palfreyman has been appointed to the role for a five year term, after acting in the role since August.
It comes after 14 years with the organisation and 25 years in the media industry.
Ms Palfreyman says the network plays an important role in reflecting the makeup of Australian society.
"My vision for SBS is to be the network that reflects modern Australia, we're an increasingly diverse society and SBS is the organisation that can help all Australians including multilingual and First Nations Australians, see themselves and hear themselves and better understand what it means to be an Australian today."
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In the National Rugby League, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says the league's player contracting system has played a role in announcing his departure so far in advance.
One of the most successful coaches in history, Cleary has stunned the sporting world by announcing he'll quit his role at the end of next season.
The Panthers won four back-to-back premierships under his leadership from 2021 to 2024, the first team to win that many in a row since the 1960s.
One of Clearly's assistants, Peter Wallace, will be his successor.
Many big stars at the Panthers have contracts expiring at the end of the 2027 season and under NRL rules, can enter into negotiations with other clubs on November the 1st this year.
Cleary says it's only fair those players know what's going on.
"Oh, why now? Basically, just to give everyone clarity moving forward. And also, we've obviously got a lot of players off-contract, which I think everyone knows, so part of it is just the contracting model, and what we have to live with. I mean, honestly, I would have preferred to not say anything for some time. But, my decision is made, so, why not?"
