As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds talks with US President Joe Biden, it’s time for Australia to lead in the Indo-Pacific with an unequivocal statement on China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, and a promise of joint patrols with the Philippines.

Albanese’s visit to Washington follows the cancellation of the Quad leaders meeting due to US internal instability. While the prime minister’s communications team may lament the missed opportunity for a snap of the leaders in front of the Sydney Opera House, there are many more effective ways to demonstrate regional leadership. Albanese’s visit to the White House is one such opportunity with the US under pressure abroad and its allies and partners engaged in conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.