I deeply regret the Coalition split and hope that it can be re-formed as soon as possible.

History shows that the Liberals and the Nationals win together and fail separately.

What’s needed right now is a strong critique of a deeply underwhelming government and the development…

— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) May 21, 2025

What is this continual reference to "modernising" the Liberal party? Is this code from Sussan Ley for adopting leftist Labor-lite policies?

The opposition leader says she's "disappointed" the Nationals have left the coalition, but the door always remains open to them. pic.twitter.com/LueynPYuze

— Francynancy (@FranMooMoo) May 20, 2025

China unveiled images of the Jiu Tian SS-UAV at the weekend, with the massive plane revealed to be a “drone mothership” with the wingspan of nearly 30 metres that’s capable of transporting 100 UAVs or about 2,200 pounds of missiles at a cruising altitude of around 14km in the sky.

The Jiu Tian — or “High Sky” — was previously teased as a super-high altitude, long range unmanned UAV during China’s Zhuhai air show in November. The plane is expected to take off for its first mission at the end of June, according to Chinese media.

Earlier this year, Beijing tested the TP1000, the first unmanned transport aircraft capable of carrying more than a ton of goods, The Telegraph UK reports.

The country has also previously operated long-endurance drones, such as the WZ-7 drone and the TB-001 Scorpion drone, around contested islands in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

The Telegraph reports that experts believe the Jiu Tian will be a probable competitor to two American carriers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper.

However, while the plane would be capable of flying above many of the medium-range defence systems deployed around the globe, online critics were quick to point out that it stands virtually no chance against more advanced defence systems seen in the US, Europe and other parts of Asia.

“I’m not a fighter pilot, but this is like trying to sneak into near-peer enemy airspace w/ a formation of KC-10s,” a retired US Air Force pilot wrote on X upon seeing the model for the Jiu Tian.

The aircraft was teased at the military’s airshow in Zhuhai in November. Picture: Getty Images.

The launch of the Jiu Tian is the latest display of China’s increasing military capabilities. In March, pictures circulated on Chinese social media revealed a new class of landing barge, which military analysts said Beijing designed for use in a potential invasion of Taiwan. The pictures and video showed a fleet of special flat-bottomed barges, called the Shuqiao class, which appear to have been designed for an amphibious landing on the island – which some have compared with the boats involved in the D-Day landings in Normandy of WWII.

Satellite imagery had previously identified the unusual vessels being constructed in a shipyard in Guangzhou, the province’s capital.

The Jiu Tian is allegedly capable of carrying around 100 drones that can be deployed at cruising altitude.

The Jiu Tian is also another example of the increasingly widespread use of drones for warfare.

They are already widely used in the Ukraine war and were also deployed in the India-Pakistan conflict in Kahsmir, with Pakistan using drones manufactured by China.

While India used exploding drones Harop and Harpy, as well as reconnaissance drone Heron manufactured by Israel, Islamabad was also armed with Chinese combat and reconnaissance drones – CH-3 and CH-4, Wing Loong, according to specialist site Military Balance

At the start of the conflict, China urged restraint from both sides and promised to play a “constructive role”.

But experts say Beijing has clearly picked a side. China said it considered Pakistan an “iron-clad friend” and that it “understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns”, said Chietigj Bajpaee from think tank Chatham House.

Bajpaee also said that “over 80 per cent of Pakistan’s arms imports over the last five years have come from China”.

With NY Post, AP

This can't be healthy.

Palestinian Islamist preacher: “Virgins of Paradise will have no menstruation, saliva, mucus, urine or excrement;

Muslim men will have the sexual strength of 100 men. We will have several wives/slaves in Paradise.”

Disgusting. Why is it all about sex in the afterlife for them? pic.twitter.com/ZfHCHuOleE

— Dr. Maalouf ‏ (@realMaalouf) May 19, 2025

It’s safe to say I’ve been less than kind about certain elements of the Victorian Liberal Party.

But I’m happy to say that there is cause for optimism too.

Tonight I went to a function with Liberal leader Brad Battin. I’ve met Brad here and there over the years - ever since… pic.twitter.com/IjHvLh98OC

— Gideon Rozner (@GideonCRozner) May 19, 2025

Opinion: “The Cost of Judgement: Standing with Ben Roberts-Smith”

By Ray Payne OAM

In a nation that once celebrated him as a hero, Ben Roberts-Smith VC now finds himself the subject of relentless legal and media scrutiny…scrutiny shaped largely by individuals who have never faced the enemy nor endured the brutal theatre of war.

The recent failure of Roberts-Smith’s appeal against defamation findings has reignited debate about not just the man, but the judgement of war itself. As lawyers from Nine celebrated their legal win with hugs and smiles outside the courtroom, one couldn’t help but reflect on the stark contrast between their triumph and the life this soldier has led in service to his country.

This is not a defence of every allegation made or a denial of justice, but a call for perspective. The battlefield is not a courtroom. It is a place of chaos, life-and-death decisions, and moral ambiguity. Those who have not lived through the fog of war cannot truly comprehend its cost, nor should they so easily condemn those who have.

Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour, for his extraordinary courage under fire. His acts saved Australian lives. He faced down machine-gun fire to rescue pinned-down comrades. For that, he was not only decorated but held up as a symbol of our national spirit. Yet, years later, after reports by journalists and a civil court judgement made on the balance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt, his reputation lies in ruins.

Critics point to war crimes allegations that remain untested in any criminal court. No charges have been laid against Roberts-Smith. The findings against him stem from a civil defamation case, where the threshold of proof is significantly lower than that of a criminal trial. These are vital distinctions that too often go ignored in the court of public opinion.

It is easy for those who have never worn the uniform, never kicked in a door in hostile territory, never watched a mate die, to pass judgement. War, by its very nature, is not clean. It is not governed by the same expectations we uphold in civilian life. And yet, we seem determined to hold our soldiers to peacetime standards while demanding they fight wars on our behalf.

What message does this send to those who may one day be asked to risk everything in defence of the nation? That honour and service will only be recognised until it becomes inconvenient.

Roberts-Smith is now left facing a legal bill that may exceed $25 million, not because he was charged with a crime, but because he fought to defend his name. While journalists and lawyers toast their victory, the human cost, the psychological toll, the ruin of a man once lionised. remains largely unspoken.

This is not about shielding anyone from accountability. If war crimes were committed, they must be prosecuted in the proper forum, through a criminal trial, with the presumption of innocence and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Until that day comes, Roberts-Smith remains an uncharged man, still entitled to the presumption that he served his country with honour and did his duty under unimaginably difficult circumstances.

Let us not forget that the freedom to judge was purchased by those who stepped into harm’s way. Perhaps we should show a little more humility, and gratitude, before condemning them.

While it is disappointing that we in the Nationals have not reached agreement with the Liberals, we have to fight for what is right for Australia, not what is convenient for us politically.

David Littleproud has demonstrated strength, courage and conviction today in standing up… pic.twitter.com/48UaIuwqHp

— Senator Matt Canavan (@mattjcan) May 20, 2025

Thanks to reader KB who writes "Who knew?"

Joe Biden's 'previously unheralded breakthrough work' on cancer treatment comes to light...

Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 18, 2025