Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has faced criticism from the opposition for attending a Chinese military parade and posing alongside North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The parade, held at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
In a photo distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Andrews stood several rows behind Kim, who faces allegations of crimes against humanity, as Chinese President Xi Jinping stood between Putin and his wife, Peng Liyuan. The leaders of Iran, Indonesia, and other nations were also present.
Shadow home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie called it a “parade for dictators,” while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley demanded Andrews explain his presence. However, current Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan defended Andrews, stating his high regard in China benefits the state, and announced a forthcoming trade mission to launch Victoria’s new China strategy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Australia would send a diplomat to the parade, noting that the Liberal government had sent a minister for the 70th anniversary a decade ago. He did not comment on Andrews’ attendance. Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the visit as a “bridge too far.”
