Albanese Dodges Question on Australia’s Stance in Potential Taiwan Conflict

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sidestepped questions about whether Australia would join the United States (US) in a potential war over Taiwan, emphasising sovereignty and regional stability while avoiding firm commitments. His vague responses, delivered during a six-day trade-focused visit to China beginning on 13 July 2025, underscore the Labor government’s reluctance to confront escalating tensions between the US and China, leaving Australia’s strategic position ambiguous.

Albanese’s trip to Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu aimed to bolster trade and tourism ties with China, Australia’s largest trading partner. However, the visit was overshadowed by pointed questions about Australia’s role in a hypothetical conflict over Taiwan, particularly as the US presses allies for clarity. The Pentagon, led by Under-Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby, has urged Australia and Japan to define their military contributions if China moves on Taiwan, with US intelligence warning of a potential invasion by 2027. Albanese deflected, stating, “We support the status quo when it comes to Taiwan,” and stressed that Australia’s defence spending is about “advancing peace and security” in the region, according to a 13 July press conference in Shanghai.

This non-committal stance has drawn criticism for its lack of decisiveness. Acting Defence Minister Pat Conroy reinforced the government’s position, asserting that “the sole power to commit Australia to war” lies with the elected government, prioritising national sovereignty over pre-emptive pledges. Critics argue this approach risks alienating the US, a key ally under the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) pact, which ties Australia to American military frameworks, including nuclear-powered submarine development. The Labor government’s hesitancy contrasts with the urgency of US demands, especially as China ramps up military drills near Australia’s coast, signalling its regional ambitions.

As Albanese courts Chinese trade, his refusal to address the Taiwan question head-on raises concerns about Australia’s preparedness for a volatile Indo-Pacific. With the US pushing for stronger allied commitments and China flexing its military might, Australians deserve clarity on where their nation stands. The Labor government’s focus on economic ties must not come at the expense of a robust, transparent defence strategy.