Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently concluded a historic six-day visit to the People’s Republic of China. On his recent visit, he criticized China’s recent provocative, live-firing naval exercises in the Tasman Sea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent discussions with President Xi Jinping didn’t provide a great deal of solace. This stagnation reaction led the Coalition especially under Tony Abbott, to attack his direction of Australia’s relationship with its biggest trading partner.
While in capital of Japan, Albanese referred strongly the military drills that China has been holding. According to reports, despite Australia’s entreaties, Xi waved away these concerns. Opposition leaders are blasting the Albanese Government for running interference on China. They accuse him of undermining important partnerships, including with the United States, at a time of growing competition.
Criticism from the Coalition
Members of the Coalition have expressed extreme outrage at Albanese’s approach to dealing with the situation. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash argued that certainty is needed in Australia’s approach to China.
“Despite all that’s happened in the China trip, the great publicity that Mr Albanese has received, he has not been able to get assurances from the president, Xi Jinping, of China, in relation to those issues,” – Michaelia Cash
Cash expressed particular alarm at the pace of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. She doubted how effective Albanese’s diplomacy actually is.
“Where is our trade deal with the United States?” – Michaelia Cash
Common sense Australian Coalition frontbencher James Paterson deemed the long visit as “a little bit indulgent.” He further noted that China’s reaction to Australia’s criticism of the naval exercises is “concerning.”
Cultural Engagement Amid Tensions
As tensions continued to simmer, Albanese made the time on his visit to China to stop by one of the country’s new giant panda breeding and research centres. Though he walked about an hour from the facility. During that period, he let slip his love for Fu Ni, a giant panda that used to live at Adelaide Zoo for 15 years.
“Fu Ni is a great ambassador for China and a great friend of Australia,” – Anthony Albanese
The visit brings to the fore a robust and long-standing cultural exchange. In January, China shipped two new pandas to Adelaide Zoo, an act that deepened diplomatic relations with wildlife production.
The Path Forward
In calling for Australian leadership, the Coalition makes clear that Australia’s leadership should start by reaffirming and strengthening Australia’s relationship with the United States. The call for clear, consistent, and credible communication with both China and our most important allies is seen as paramount. Advocates are calling on Albanese to make improving U.S. trade relations a top priority. They highlight that dealing with possible tariffs is highly important for securing the Australian economy.
Albanese’s administration faces increasing pressure to navigate complex international relations while maintaining Australia’s national interests. Negotiations continue to be active. It would be great to learn more about how this visit will influence future exchanges with China and USA, on both sides.
