Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a scathing critique of the former Coalition government, accusing them of failing to maintain diplomatic communication with Beijing for several years. His remarks come as the opposition criticises his recent visit to China, branding it as "indulgent" and lacking substantive outcomes.
Albanese emphasised that the Coalition's lack of engagement with Chinese leaders had left Australia in a precarious position, requiring urgent diplomatic repair. "For years, there was no meaningful dialogue," he stated. "This neglect has had lasting consequences for our bilateral relations."
The Prime Minister defended his trip, arguing that face-to-face diplomacy was essential to stabilise the fraught relationship between the two nations. "Engagement is not indulgence—it's necessity," he countered. "We cannot afford silence when it comes to our largest trading partner."
Opposition leaders, however, remain unconvinced. Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham described the visit as "more spectacle than strategy," questioning whether tangible progress had been made on key issues such as trade barriers and regional security.
Analysts suggest that while the trip may not yield immediate breakthroughs, it signals a willingness to rebuild trust. "Diplomacy is a marathon, not a sprint," said one expert. "Albanese's approach marks a shift from confrontation to conversation."
