Anthony Albanese’s visit to China is one step in the necessary recalibration of Australia’s foreign and strategic policy, but much more will be required if we are to succeed in what is already a very different and much tougher world.

In particular, we will have to face up to two large challenges. First, have we the strategic imagination to bury the notion that Australia is incapable of defending itself and secondly, what role are we prepared to play in constraining China’s ambition to be the hegemon of the region?