PM’s moment of truth walking US-China tightrope

Is it possible that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to “sit out” the Trump administration? Trump has a further 3½ years, while Labor’s resounding win in May will see it govern for at least the next six. Is the PM hoping then that whomever replaces Trump in 2028 – Republican or Democrat – he or she will be easier to deal with? If that is the plan, it is fraught.

On the evidence, China’s ambitions in Taiwan are imminent. In the event that the US sided with the latter in an all-out conflict, this country would have little choice other than to side with its strategic ally. Ben Packham reinforces the point that the array of facilities on Australian soil would play a critical role in a US war with China, and that it is impossible to disentangle Australia’s security from America’s strategic posture (“Australia’s military alliance with the US is carved into the landscape”, 12/7). No one doubts that walking the China-US tightrope is difficult but Albanese’s apparent preference for one over the other is problematic. He needs to fix the imbalance with a face-to-face with Trump – and fast.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Ben Packham reveals how the most striking physical manifestations of the Australia-US alliance are the “force posture initiates” that allow the US military to operate from Australian soil, of which Pine Gap is the crown jewel. This facility is dedicated to detecting through satellite signalling any launch by China or Russia of a nuclear missile headed straight towards the US mainland. Such an early warning feature would not only provide the US with a credible counterstrike capability but would instantly render Pine Gap a prime nuclear target. So as Anthony Albanese embarks on the longest visit to China by an Australian prime minister, he cannot sidestep this simple fact: that in terms of nuclear deterrence Australia’s alliance with the US is non-negotiable.

Vincent Zankin, Rivett, ACT

Ah, so that’s it, our great leader, Anthony Albanese, is in China smooching up to encourage more visitors to come Down Under (“Albanese lands in ‘wonderful’ China with pitch to lure tourists”, 13/7). At the same time our defence force is gearing up to “welcome” more Chinese spy ships coming our way during its major international war assimilation exercise, Talisman Sabre. It’s good to see defence and the PM are on the same page. Obviously the spy ships are just answering Albanese’s welcome to country chant. After all, tourism attracts all different types, even spy ships.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

It is pleasing to see that Prime Minister Albanese is visiting China – our buddy of 50 years, following Whitlam’s initial visit. We share some common values. We both value economic prosperity and free trade. Forty years ago, two-way trade between China and Australia was less than $100m, now it is more than $100bn. Both countries have an aversion to war – it is too expensive. Both prefer stability and peace over chaos. Both build defence capabilities based on deterrence. Both countries have enduring political systems, albeit different forms of government based on the needs of the country at the time. Australia is one of the world’s most enduring democracies. China is the longest continuously existing communist regime still in power. Recognising our shared values has created a foundation for co-operation, reduced conflict, strengthened our trade and cultural ties. Furthermore, it has enabled both nations to work together on global challenges, like climate change – despite our political and ideological differences.

Robin Clarke, Ballajura, WA

Is our PM naive, unaware of what is really going on, or following the money at the expense of our defences? Greg Sheridan’s excellent article should surely send shivers up every sensible Australian’s spine! (“Albanese’s big China policy adventure”, 12/7) One hopes that Albanese is not playing into China’s rule book by changing his mind on putting the Port of Darwin back into Australian hands, letting its dislike of the AUKUS treaty affect government policy or, at worst, deliberately annoying our greatest ally. At least Marles and Wong are stating some home truths in their speeches, but if Albanese succumbs to the CCP’s charm offensive, encouraged by cringing CEOs only interested in business, Australia could indeed, as Sheridan writes, be in for a “severe reckoning”.

Lisa Sanderson, Auchenflower, Qld