During a visit to Australian on Wednesday, President Obama announced that 2,500 U.S. troops will be sent to the country to boost security in the Pacific region. The move is seen as a strategy to counter China's increased influence. He spoke strongly on China's rising responsibilities and the U.S. perspective on its growing strength. China responded by saying that it "may not be quite appropriate" to expand U.S. military in the region.

At least 27 refugees have died this morning, after a human smuggling boat headed for Australia with reported Iraqi and Iranian families hit rocks and sank in heavy seas off Christmas Island. Some 42 survivors were saved in the harrowing accident; the incident brings into sharp relief a national debate in Australia over immigration and asylum seekers. Joining us for more on the story is Nick Bryant, reporter for our partner the BBC in Sydney, Australia.