Australia and China seal bumper trade deal

SYDNEY: Australia and China sealed a landmark trade deal hailed on Monday as a “game-changer,” abolishing tariffs in the lucrative resources and agricultural sectors as Canberra confronts a painful downturn in mining.

The pact, signed during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, was lauded by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott as the first Beijing had reached with a major economy and “the most comprehensive agreement China has concluded with anyone.”