Your morning Briefing: PM bolsters Vietnam amid China row

Your 2-minute digest of today’s top stories and must-reads.

Hello readers. Scott Morrison backs Vietnam amid growing Chinese pressure, and Jofra Archer crushes Aussie fightback in the Ashes.

22/08/2019 Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. The PM is in Vietnam for a two-day official visit. Adam Taylor/PMO

PM bolsters Vietnam amid China row

Scott Morrison has vowed to stand with Vietnam to push for a free and open Indo-Pacific amid growing Chinese pressure on the Southeast Asian nation. Meantime, a Beijing-backed “front” has allegedly taken a role in lobbying politicians in place of Huang Xiangmo. Greg Sheridan suggests a consistent pattern of prime ministerial travel across Southeast Asia is essential.

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England's Jofra Archer celebrates after taking his 5th wicket, that of Australia's Pat Cummins, right, caught by Jonny Bairstow for 0 on the first day of the 3rd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, England, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Archer crushes Aussie fightback

For a time after tea, Australia looked to be taking control of the Third Ashes Test at Headingley. Then Jofra Archer was brought back into the attack and all hell broke loose. Gideon Haigh writes of how Australia could have done with Steve Smith to build on David Warner’s platform. Follow how the first day’s play unfolded here.

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Fans were furious at the seating for last night's basketball at Marvel Stadium.

Fans erupt over $1500 seating farce

Russell Crowe leads a chorus of fury from spectators at last night’s Australia vs USA game at Marvel Stadium.

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Another sunny day for the planet

We’re wealthier, wiser and seldom seen such peace. But we need to ensure the cure for climate change isn’t more painful than the disease, writes Bjorn Lomborg.

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Kudelka’s view

Jon Kudelka Letters Cartoon for 23-08-2019Version: Letters Cartoon (1280x720 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added)COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications.Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.