On the surface, Anthony Albanese’s official visit to Washington was a smashing success. But there was a non-too-subtle reminder about who Australia’s friends really are.
Under warm sunshine and a brilliant blue sky, the most famous residence in the world shimmered whiter-than-white. A gentle breeze sent the Stars and Stripes fluttering. Hundreds of people – the White House estimated almost 4000, which seemed generous – lined the rope lines, waving little Australian and US flags. A groundskeeper wielded a blower vac to remove the overnight dew from chairs for the delegations. The red carpet had been rolled out, the military band was in tune.
Biden – who prides himself on having spent more than 80 hours with Xi in meetings and discussions over the years, the longest time of a Western leader – made an earlier unprompted remark at the beginning of their Oval Office meeting that was a none-too-subtle reminder to Albanese about who Australia’s friends really are.
There had been speculation that the latest Middle East crisis would prompt Albanese’s visit to be cancelled, although before the trip US officials were always confident it would go ahead. “The administration is relaxed about the stabilisation of the Australia-China relationship,” Fullilove says. “They are engaging with the Chinese all the time – just this Friday the Chinese state counsellor Wang Yi will be in Washington to meet with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Don’t forget that during the period when the Chinese were giving us the silent treatment, all three of our Quad partners were talking to China constantly.“Biden has taken to Albanese.
A meeting with Biden and his cabinet ran an hour over schedule, and during his time on Capitol Hill on the Thursday morning before he left, Albanese collectively spent 2½ hours speaking to the big dogs of Congress, including new Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate leaders from both parties, and chairs and ranking members of the armed services and foreign relations committee.
On cybersecurity, the leaders said a state-based cyberattack could be grounds to invoke the ANZUS treaty, while Australia and the US will step up work on supplies of critical minerals. Albanese has denied a transactional approach in stabilising ties, although it is hard to avoid that impression. While China has dismantled most of its trade sanctions and freed Cheng, Australia has moved toand allowed a Chinese company to keep its 99-year lease on Darwin Port, inviting condemnation from national security hawks.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joe Biden and Anthony Albanese: Australia-US space deal to take on ChinaThe Albanese government will axe restrictions on commercial US rocket launches in Australia, opening the door for the likes of Elon Musk to set up operations in the outback.
Read more »
Joe Biden tells Anthony Albanese he's 'confident' AUKUS deal will go aheadA deal to sell US nuclear-powered submarines to Australia has edged closer with the election of a new House speaker in the US Congress.
Read more »
White House meeting: key takeaways from Anthony Albanese’s visit to WashingtonThe prime minister and Joe Biden’s policy discussions have been driven by questions of dominance in cybersecurity, the net zero transition and the Pacific
Read more »
US state visit one of the most ‘momentous days’ for Anthony AlbaneseSky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says the US state visit has been one of the most momentous days for Anthony Albanese. “It’s been a massive day - Anthony Albanese and Joe Biden met in the Oval Office earlier, then they held a joint press conference before this state dinner this evening,” Mr Clennell said.
Read more »
‘Shadow of his former self’: Peter Dutton takes aim at Anthony AlbaneseOpposition leader Peter Dutton says the Prime Minister is a “shadow of his former self” and is making all the “wrong decisions” for Australia. Mr Dutton says it is no wonder Australians are “switching off” Anthony Albanese due to his government’s renewable energy policies.
Read more »