Good afternoon. Anthony Albanese’s strategy of pushing back against China in the Pacific has been dealt another blow, with a major defence treaty with Papua New Guinea delayed amid concerns about sovereignty.
The so-called Pukpuk mutual defence treaty, which would commit Australia and PNG to defend each other in the event of a military attack and allow citizens of both countries to serve in the defence forces of the other, was to be signed in Port Moresby this week. Instead the two governments signed a joint communique and pledged to continue negotiations on the wider defence pact.
Speaking at a press conference, Albanese said the text of the defence agreement had been confirmed but both governments had more work to do.
It comes after Vanuatu’s government paused the signing of a joint agreement with Australia earlier this month, saying more work was needed on the question of critical minerals funding from China.
Top news
SBS resists calls to join EU boycott of Eurovision 2026 if Israel allowed to compete
Texts, plans and a confession: prosecutor lays out startling details in Charlie Kirk shooting
Rocks on train tracks strand 900 Machu Picchu tourists amid protest
In video
Protesters gathered outside Windsor Castle to demonstrate against Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK, amid a series of planned demonstrations against the US president throughout his stay. Four people were arrested after images of Trump alongside deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected on the walls of Windsor Castle, where the president is set to be hosted by King Charles.
What they said …
***
“We’re doing well. It’s perfectly fine. We’re in communication. We’re not besties on the phone every day, as you’d expect.” – Andrew Hastie
The Liberal frontbencher says his relationship with Sussan Ley is fine, thanks very much, even as he once again raised the spectre of a net zero rebellion against Ley’s authority as leader by signalling on Monday he would quit his frontbench position if the party recommitted to net zero by 2050. Hastie admitted most of his colleagues don’t share his stance, but said he wouldn’t back a policy he doesn’t believe in.
Full Story
How the killing of Charlie Kirk became a tool for division
Our Washington bureau chief, David Smith, tells Nour Haydar how Donald Trump and his allies have ramped up their attacks on “the left” in the wake of the shooting.
Before bed read
Australia’s quietest cockatoo is running out of trees. We have betrayed its gentle curiosity
As logging, fire and shrinking habitat push the glossy black cockatoo closer to the brink, we don’t just risk losing a species, writes Joseph Earp, but a world of wonder.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: COT. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
Sign up
Enjoying the Afternoon Update? Then you’ll love our Morning Mail newsletter. Sign up here to start the day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know, and complete your daily news roundup.
And follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland.
Contact us
If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email.
If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email customer.help@guardian.co.uk
