The Coalition has admitted that China appears to be aiming to establish a military base in the Solomon Islands, a change of direction with regard to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s insistence that this would not happen.
But Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, who is also Minister of Defense, hopes Australia’s relationship with China is on track to improve after his meeting last month with the Minister of State and Minister of Defense. Defense of China, General Wei Fenghe.
Defense Minister Richard Marles and opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hastie. Credit: James Brickwood
On Sunday, Marles said the meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore was longer and more interactive than he expected despite having “crossed some pretty difficult terrain”.
He said the discussions began and ended with the desire of both parties “to bring the relationship to a better place.”
“I hope it opens the door to a change of tone in our relationship,” Marles told Sky News.
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“We will not deal with the beatings we saw of our old government. We are about to relate to the world in a more professional, diplomatic and sober way.”
Opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hastie said the world had seen “continuity, not change” from Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in their focus on China.
“When you have the Chinese newspapers online condemning Mr Albanese for not being different from his predecessor, Mr Morrison, he obviously continues with our policy,” he told Sky News.