New ambassador Kevin Rudd accuses US of throwing allies ‘under a bus’

Former PM speaks out in first interview since his appointment, accuses Washington of not doing enough to build up its friends’ economies in the face of Chinese pressure.

Kevin Rudd, Australia’s next ambassador to the US, has lashed out at the Biden administration’s handling of its Asian alliances, saying Washington had a habit of “throwing some of its allies under a bus.”

In what are believed to be his first public remarks since his appointment, Mr Rudd told Bloomberg TV that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had done a good job “herding the cats” but was lacking a “grand strategy.”

President of the Asia Society and former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd speaking recently at the Asia Society.

“For the future, what is the missing elements in US grand strategy? It’s called the economy, stupid,” Mr Rudd said, speaking in his capacity as president of the Asia Society think tank.

“You cannot continue to assume that there’ll be collective solidarity on security questions, but on the economy, the United States is happy to throw some of its allies under a bus.”

Mr Rudd also complained of a “protectionist” sentiment in the US Congress,

Mr Rudd will officially become Australia’s representative sometime in the next few months after the term of the current ambassador, Arthur Sinodinos, expires in February.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd poses for a portrait at his office in Brisbane, Tuesday, December 20, 2022 on the occasion of his appointment as ambassador. (AAP Image/Darren England)

His appointment, which was announced last month by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles.

Many pointed to Mr Rudd’s deep connections and strong relationships with Washington power players, while sceptics in equal numbers worried that his controversial temperament could ultimately damage relations.

Mr Rudd acknowledged in the interview that his comments might be controversial, pointing out that it was “three months before I turn into a pumpkin”.

Shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham said Mr Rudd risked souring relations with the US before he had even started his new job.

“Encouraging the US to pursue deeper economic engagement in our region and with other allies is smart, strategic and consistent with recent Australian ambassadors to the US,” said shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham.

“Opinionated lecturing of the US before you’ve even started your new ambassadorial role in the US is far less strategic.

“I doubt many will see Kevin Rudd’s tone as an encouraging start to a role that requires both deft handling and policy smarts.

“Is this the tone sanctioned by Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong or have they already had to council Mr Rudd about his approach?” he asked.