Chinese state media have told Anthony Albanese not to repeat the “mistake” of his predecessor Scott Morrison, as he described the new leadership as an opportunity to change the “very exhausted relationship” between Beijing and Canberra.
Chinese state media have warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not to repeat the mistake of his predecessor Scott Morrison, as tensions between Beijing and Canberra continue to rise.
Communist Party spokesman China Daily published an editorial on Wednesday endorsing the election result as an opportunity to change the “very strained relationship” between the two nations.
The editorial said that while Albanese was in a “common ground” with opposition leader Peter Dutton, he once called China “the biggest problem our country will face in our lives.” “, is an opportunity for Australia to adjust its policy in China.
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“While the election has created an opportunity for Australia to adjust its policy in China, space is quite limited, as both the ruling parties and the opposition blame the deteriorating bilateral ties in China. “, wrote the publisher.
“However, as they also seem to agree that relations between the two countries should be restored and productive, there is still a chance to review the damage caused by the blind support of the previous government to the policy of China’s containment of the United States “.
The publisher claims that Beijing “has always kept the door of dialogue and cooperation open” with Canberra.
“The Albanian government should seriously consider the choice between repeating the mistake of its predecessor and acting as a mediator between the United States and China,” he wrote.
“The first means turning the country’s largest trading partner and main investor into a rival at the expense of the entire region, while the second would raise Australia’s profile on the world stage, turning it into a lackey. to a responsible global player. “
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has reiterated concerns about China’s influence in the Pacific, despite Beijing ruling out a ten-nation security deal.
Marles, who also serves as defense minister, said China’s current interests meant that Australia had to “strive” to establish a contrast between the Albanian government and the coalition.
“We can expect China to maintain interest in the Pacific and really the point here is that we need to focus on our own relations in the Pacific,” Marles told Sky News Australia’s Pete Stefanovic on Wednesday morning.
“Unlike the old government, we will actually do the work and I think if we do the work, we will be the natural partner chosen for the Pacific countries.”
Albanese also delivered a strong message to China just moments after being sworn in as prime minister last week.
The prime minister was asked if he would take the opportunity to “cool down” Australia’s strained relations with China before heading to Tokyo for a meeting with Quad leaders.
“What I have said, and we maintain, is that the relationship with China will continue to be difficult,” he told reporters.
“I said that before the election. That has not changed at all. It is China that has changed, not Australia and Australia should always stand up for values and we will do so in a government that I lead.”