China has conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific, a move the Australian government has condemned as 'destabilising to the region'. The test missile, topped with a dummy warhead, landed in 'designated waters' of the Pacific, according to China's state news agency Xinhua on Monday. Xinhua described the test as a 'routine arrangement' of China's annual military training, with prior notification given to relevant countries.
Australia's Response
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong stated that the test was 'lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects'. The comments reflect growing concerns among Pacific nations about China's military activities in the region.
Other Top News
In other developments, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised 'unequivocally' for a podcast comment about singer Kylie Minogue. Meanwhile, Australia and Fiji have signed a surprise defence alliance amid efforts to limit China's influence in the Pacific. An independent review has been announced as police probe whether cannibalism was involved in the alleged murder of a four-year-old. A Melbourne teacher is receiving end-of-life care after a horror head clash during a suburban football game. Ukraine hopes to sign 'drone deals' with seven NATO countries by the end of the year.
World Cup 2026
In football, a 10-man England side defeated Mexico 3-2 in a chaotic and thrilling last-16 match, with a standout two-goal performance from Jude Bellingham. Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals, defeating Brazil 2-1, and said it was 'one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history'. The US coach Mauricio Pochettino celebrated after Donald Trump successfully lobbied FIFA to lift striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban for a red card. Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia compared the decision to an April Fools' joke.
In Pictures
Winterfest Sydney 2026, an annual medieval fair in Sydney's north-west, featured historical re-enactments, jousting knights, wandering entertainers, and even mermaids. Photographs by Liz Ham capture the event.
What They Said
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old football superstar, said this World Cup would be his last, after a long career of 232 games, 146 goals, and six World Cups. At a press conference, when it was suggested he might not be back, he replied: 'You don't want me back.'
Full Story Podcast
Will the Mamdani effect make 2028 the year of the leftwing president? Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the popular new mayor of New York City, is endorsing candidates that topple established Democrats. Nour Haydar speaks with David Smith about whether the Democrats are still fit to take on Trump.
Before Bed Read
China wants to solve the hardest problem in robotics – making hands. The race to develop 'embodied AI' is focusing on creating dextrous hands to transform humanoid robots from gimmicks into useful products. Some companies think they are close to surpassing this final hurdle. Most of them are in China.
Daily Word Game
Today's starter word is: CAPE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
