Australia Confirms Neutral Stance on Taiwan
(MENAFN) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently reaffirmed that his administration remains opposed to “any unilateral action” regarding Taiwan, in response to reports that the United States is encouraging its allies to specify their roles in a possible confrontation with China over the disputed territory.
During a press briefing in Shanghai, Albanese stated, “We have a clear position, and we have been consistent about that…We don't want any change in the status quo.”
His remarks, reported by a news agency, echoed Australia’s longstanding position of non-interference in cross-strait tensions.
The Prime Minister’s statement followed a report from a news outlet, which indicated that the US has been consulting Japan and Australia on their potential involvement in a hypothetical conflict with China over Taiwan.
According to the report, this diplomatic pressure has caused frustration in both Tokyo and Canberra.
Albanese arrived in Shanghai on Saturday for a weeklong diplomatic visit—his second official journey to China since assuming office, following a prior trip in 2023.
His visit aims to strengthen ties with Beijing amid regional uncertainties.
Meanwhile, Acting Defense Minister Patrick Conroy highlighted the importance of Australian autonomy in such high-stakes decisions.
“The sole power to commit Australia to war, or to allow our territory to be used for a conflict, is the elected government of the day,” Conroy stated. “Sovereignty will always be prioritized, and that will continue to be our position.”
In a separate engagement, Albanese met with Chen Jining, the secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.
During their discussion, he emphasized the significance of maintaining and developing strong bilateral relations.
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