Canberra is close to an agreement with Beijing that would allow Australian suppliers to ship five trial canola cargoes to China, sources familiar with the matter said, a move towards ending a years-long freeze in the trade.

Andrew Robb, former Trade Minister of Australia, says that Australian PM Albanese must continue to review and upgrade the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

China and Australia vowed on Tuesday to enhance bilateral ties, and work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade and jointly cope with global challenges amid the transformation and turbulence in the international landscape.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang (front row, centre) with executives from Australian and Chinese businesses ahead of the 8th CEO Roundtable held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,

The Talisman Sabre exercises’ importance has increased each year, as China has emerged as a regional and aspiring global maritime power.

Premier Li Qiang called on Tuesday for China and Australia to further strengthen higher-quality cooperation and create a stronger synergy for development to effectively address uncertainties.

Israel struck Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday and moved more troops to the border area in a bid, officials said, to prevent attacks against the Syrian Druze community.

The prime minister's visit to Beijing featured an unusual one-on-one meal with China's most powerful man. It's significant in more ways than one.