American Demand Arrives at Inopportune Moment for Anthony Albanese's China Visit

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As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was receiving a Shanghai Port Football Club jersey emblazoned with his name and strolling the world famous Bund waterfront, he was also getting a message from Washington.

It first came via a media report.

The US itself holds its own policy of strategic ambiguity over the potential to any conflict and the role it would play.

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

Since the article was released the US under secretary for Defense Elbridge Colby took to social media in response to a post about the story. He did not dispute the sourced report, underscored the US defence policy of “peace through strength”, and again urged allies to increase defence spending.

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 wearing a white cap with black rabbit on the front, holding up a vivid red soccer jersey with the number 10 and ALBANESE in white lettering on the back. He is standing two other men, one is a Caucasian man wearing a white shirt and burgundy pants, the other a Chinese man wearing a lighter burgundy outfit. In the foreground are cameras taking photos of the trio.

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.

If Australia’s defence policy on Beijing’s long-held ambitions for “reunification” with Taiwan wasn’t yet a key agenda item — it will be now.

Albanese’s Defence Industry Minister was the first to be asked whether Australia would commit to joining the US if it entered a war with China over Taiwanese sovereignty.

Pat Conroy ruled out committing to such a conflict ahead of time, reiterating the government’s longstanding position.

“The decision to commit Australian troops to a conflict will be made by the government of the day, not in advance,” he said.

“Sovereignty will always be prioritised.”

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

Anthony Albanese, a middle aged man with glasses, wearing a dark suit, stripes grey, black and white tie, holding a bunch of flowers, walking down a red carpet off a large airplane, surrounded by people.

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.