Major Pacific countries told by the US to prepare for conflict as regional tensions continue to rise over threat to Taiwan

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.

President Donald Trump says that Coca-Cola had agreed to use real cane sugar in its flagship soft drink in the U.S. at his suggestion.

Australian exports to the US are already subject to a 10 per cent tariff, with Trump recently saying that could rise to 15 or 20 per cent by August 1. But now it appears pharmaceutical exports could come in for special attention. Trump previously said tariffs on pharmaceuticals could climb as high as 200 per cent.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated the country's opposition to any change in the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

The US has reportedly urged Pacific allies to prepare for potential conflict with China over Taiwan, as Japan signals the dawn of a 'new crisis era' and Beijing appears to be ramping up its military technology investments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with China's Premier Li Qiang, who takes a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump's tariff policies while calling for greater economic ties between Australia and China.