The Coalition tried to claim during the election campaign that Chinese President Xi Jinping had become a barracks for a Labor victory. But the last few days have shown how wrong that line of attack was.
Talking about a Manchurian candidate has always been nonsense. The patriotism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was never in doubt.
And judging by the early days of his government, the Albanian and Foreign Minister Penny Wong can match the Coalition when it comes to competition and diplomatic resolution.
Loading
Newly elected prime ministers, who have had their teeth cut off in their national portfolios, often take time to take an interest in foreign affairs.
But Albanese has made it clear that he will give priority to international relations by flying to Tokyo less than a day after vowing to attend the crucial Quad meeting with US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and India Narendra Modi.
The Quad has emerged as a crucial diplomatic counterweight to China’s influence in the region. Attending the meeting, Albanese sent a signal that he would not withdraw from the Coalition’s policy of meeting the challenge of China’s aggressive policies and economic intimidation. It was a gesture that Biden appreciated judging by his joke that Albanese would be excused for falling asleep.
Albanese has also made the right decision by taking the time to respond to the congratulatory message sent to him by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.
The message is a possible olive branch that breaks a two-year freeze on high-level contacts imposed by China, but Albanese cannot simply ignore the damage done to Australia by Chinese policies, especially trade sanctions. which has imposed $ 20 billion on Australian imports.
These are encouraging signs, but the ALP will have to provide more than just symbolism. It must respond urgently to the news that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a 10-day trip to the South Pacific and wants to target more countries with security agreements such as those with the Solomon Islands.