Australia news live: China pledges ‘consequences’ over Taiwan’s presence at Pacific Islands Forum; Victorian opposition promises more peak-hour trains

Follow updates live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast 43 Australians still missing, with concerns growing ‘every day, every hour’ that goes by, Wong says The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says there are still 43 Australian missing after the flooding in Nepal, saying the government ho

China-Taiwan tensions threaten to overshadow a meeting of Pacific leaders this week.

China-Taiwan tensions threaten to overshadow a meeting of Pacific leaders this week.

The Australian outback is one of the wildest places on Earth. A vast void of deserts and semi-arid wilderness, it stretches across about 80 per cent of the country’s interior — an area roughly equivalent to seven times the size of Texas.

There are concerns tensions between China and Taiwan could explode into the open at this year's meeting, distracting from the key Pacific priorities.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the region's premier policy organisation, is confident the annual leaders' summit will deliver despite leader absences in Palau.

International relationsSeveral representatives stay home as forum grapples with Chinese missile testPalau President Surangel Whipps Jr. speaks to reporters in Koror, Palau on Aug. 30. (Photo by Sophie Mak)SOPHIE MAKAugust 31, 2026 12:00 JSTKOROR, Palau -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Sunday that it would be

PRAISE: ‘Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded and democratic partner that contributes significantly to prosperity ... across the Pacific,’ the US Department of State said By Su Yong-yao / Staff reporter, with CNA Add TT as Preferred Source The US backed Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) a