Japan’s defence ministry released a statement saying it was difficult to answer hypothetical questions on the “Taiwan emergency”.

Asked what role Australia would play if the US and China went to war over Taiwan, the prime minister said: “Our aim of investing in our capability and as well investing in our relationships is about advancing our peace and security in our region. That’s our objective. And that is why we invest in our region.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented with a Shanghai soccer jersey as he tours the Bund. Source: SBS News / Anna Henderson

This is awkward timing for a debate over Taiwan, coming while Australia’s leader is on a five-day trip to Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu to talk trade, tourism, decarbonisation and even a Panda breeding centre.

The main engagement will be a one-on-one meeting between Anthony Albanese and the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Asked about Colby’s calls on defence spending, Albanese said Australia was already “considerably increasing” defence spending, investing $57 billion over 10 years.

The red carpet rolled out for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he arrives in Shanghai, China for a diplomatic visit focussing on tourism and defence. Source: SBS News / Anna Henderson

“We have contributed as well to AUKUS already. Going forward, $1 billion being forwarded to help increase the industrial capacity in the United States and we’ll continue to invest in whatever we need to improve our capability,” he said.

Australia’s AUKUS deal is under review in the US and defence spending is a major pressure point. So far Anthony Albanese has resisted putting an increased share of GDP figure forward to appease the White House.