A daily 5 minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability.
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Hannah Hodson.
Australia's Defence Minister says China's missile test in the Pacific is likely to be discussed at the next meeting between the two countries.
Richard Marles says the test shows why Australia needs to build stronger ties with Pacific nations.
"When we look at what China has done over a long period, we are seeing them engaging in a very significant military buildup. But it's doing so without providing strategic reassurance, which is to say, it's not really explaining to the world why they're engaging in this military buildup. And that's very different."
The missile test happened just hours after Australia signed a new agreement with Fiji.
Officials say the timing was most likely a coincidence because tests like this take a long time to prepare.
But Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson says China is trying to intimidate other countries.
"I think the broader picture here is that China is engaging in behaviour which it knows is threatening, which it knows is coercive. One of the reasons why militaries conduct exercises like this is for the demonstration effect. They want others to know they've got the capability to do so."
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia and the Solomon Islands will begin talks on a new treaty.
Mr Albanese says the deal will step up the partnership, including support to rebuild after Cyclone Maila and more study opportunities for young people.
He is in the Solomon Islands for celebrations marking 48 years of independence from Great Britain.
A day earlier, Mr Albanese signed two agreements with Fiji, including a defence deal and a pact to lift ties to treaty status.
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The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has passed 3500.
Almost 18,000 people are homeless, and the UN says up to 50,000 may still be missing.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is defending the government’s response, despite public anger over delays.
The UN says it is increasing aid with the government in Caracas.
"Some search and rescue teams remain deployed in the affected areas, while other specialized support teams, from medical to engineering, continue to arrive. A comprehensive assessment of needs is in near completion and will inform an updated response plan and resource request."
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Cristiano Ronaldo says this World Cup will be his last.
The Portugal captain says his team can be proud, despite losing 1-nil to Spain.
But the 41-year-old has not said whether he will retire from international football.
I'm Hannah Hodson, this is SBS News in Easy English
