Australian PM will leave Port Moresby without agreement, sparking a setback for Australia’s strategy to minimise China’s influence among Pacific nations

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.

A deal was expected with the former Australian colony this week but the prime minister is set to leave Port Moresby without signing the so-called Pukpuk mutual defence treaty with his counterpart, James Marape, on Wednesday.

US president accuses John Lyons of ‘hurting Australia’ after reporter asked about his White House business dealings

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Donald Trump has berated an ABC journalist who was asking questions about the US president’s personal business dealings, accusing him of “hurting Australia” in the lead-up to crucial talks with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese.

Trump was answering questions on the White House lawn when he clashed with the ABC’s Americas editor, John Lyons, who said he was reporting for Four Corners.