Paul Keating hits back after Nancy Pelosi slams his Taiwan comments as ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’

One of America’s most senior politicians labelled Paul Keating “stupid” over his recent remarks in an interview. He has already hit back.

Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has hit back at one of the United States’ most senior politicians, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, after she labelled his recent comments about Taiwan “stupid” and “ridiculous”.

Speaking to the ABC’s 7.30 program last week, Mr Keating described the self-governing island of Taiwan as “Chinese real estate”, in remarks Taiwanese officials called “incorrect and dangerously misleading”.

The former prime minister characterised the United States as an “aggressive power” which was “trying to superintend from the Atlantic the largest Asian power, which is China”. Mr Keating argued that, instead of allying with the US, Australia was “better left alone”.

“What this is all about is the Chinese laying claim to Taiwan. And the Americans are going to say ‘No, we’re going to keep these Taiwanese people protected,’ even though they’re sitting on Chinese real estate,” he said.

“The Chinese will fight to the last teenage soldier to defend Taiwan and the Chinese state, and the Americans will not take on such a fight and, more than that, will not win it.

“All of a sudden the Americans take off and leave and we’re the ones who have done all the offence.”

Host Sarah Ferguson subsequently said Mr Keating’s words had “shocked” her.

Mr Keating speaking to 7.30.

Ms Ferguson speaking to Mr Keating.

‘Stupid, ridiculous’

Addressing the remarks in a separate 7.30 interview, which aired on Tuesday night, Ms Pelosi called them “stupid”.

“You don’t want to get my description of him for saying that,” Ms Pelosi told the program.

“That’s ridiculous. It is not Chinese real estate, and he should know that. Taiwan is Taiwan, and it’s the people of Taiwan who have a democracy there.

“I think that it was a stupid statement, with all – I have no idea about Keating. But you know, it was a stupid statement to make.

“And I don’t know what his connection is to China that he would say such a thing, but it is really not in the security interest of the Asia-Pacific region for people to talk that way.

“It may be something he believes, but I think he’s wrong.”

Ms Pelosi speaking to 7.30.

Ms Pelosi became the most senior American politician to visit Taiwan in decades when she flew to the island in 2022. She was still speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, making her second in line for the presidency behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Our delegation came to Taiwan to make it unequivocally clear we will not abandon Taiwan,” she told Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during the visit.

“The story of Taiwan is an inspiration to all freedom-loving people.”

Ms Pelosi said Western solidarity with Taiwan was “crucial”, and stressed that the island had broad bipartisan support, in US politics, for its independence from China.

Speaking to ABC News Breakfast on Tuesday morning to give a preview of the interview, Ms Ferguson explained that she knew Ms Pelosi “had a significant interest in Taiwan”, and that is why she asked her about Mr Keating’s remarks.

“One of the surprising things about (her answer) is that we’re used to, in foreign affairs, things being couched in very careful language,” she said.

“Obviously Paul Keating was not using that diplomatic language. We are used to that with him. But we’re not used to people talking about highly sensitive issues like Taiwan and China in such robust terms. So ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’, that’s a very strong statement.”

Ms Pelosi with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her visit to Taipei. Picture: AFP

‘Pot, kettle’: Keating hits back

Later on Tuesday, after preview footage of Ms Pelosi’s blunt answer had circulated, Mr Keating hit back at her in a statement with the heading “Pot calling the kettle black”, where he described her 2022 visit to Taiwan as “recklessly indulgent”.

He claimed her trip to the island had “very nearly brought the United States and China to a military confrontation”.

“In fact, Pelosi had to be warned by her president, Joe Biden, and with him, the Pentagon, of the military risks of her visit,” Mr Keating said.

Mr Keating said the US and Australia both subscribe to the so-called “One China” policy, which recognises Beijing as the legitimate government of China. The Western governments do not formally recognise Taiwan as its own country, though they maintain a supportive, less official relationship with the leaders in Taipei.

“Both our countries believe it is in no one’s interest for Taiwan to be subject of some sort of violent takeover,” Mr Keating wrote.

“This is why I said on 7.30 last week that Chinese and Taiwanese interests will: ‘Get resolved socially and politically over time. That’s what will happen there.’

“Obviously, in being asked a truncated question by 7.30, Nancy Pelosi would have been unaware that I also said that Taiwan (would get resolved) without the need for confrontation or violence.

“That said, I make this clear. In public comment, I represent the national interests of Australia, not the national interests of the United States nor, indeed, the interests of Taiwan.

“I have remarked a number of times that so-called democratic choices by Taiwan are not central or interests vital to Australia any more than say, the absence of democratic forms in countries like Cambodia or Laos.

“The ABC, as the national broadcaster, would do better to represent Australian strategic interests when it has the opportunity, rather than being excited by sensationalist comment from a person who shares not a jot of identity with Australian national interests.”