Morrison walks diplomatic tightrope

For all his unconventional behaviour, political disruption and ironic humour, Donald Trump did not faze or embarrass Scott Morrison.

Scott Morrison lays a wreath at the the Pentagon September 11 memorial, in Washington DC. Picture: AAP

As Donald Trump on Friday stunned even White House correspondents used to his rhetorical flourishes by talking about new nuclear weapons as being in “tippy-top” condition and arguing he could order a strike against Iran as his “easiest option”, uneasy eyes turned to a large red button within reach of the presidential fingers.

Scott Morrison, and wife Jenny, were prime-time captives in the Oval Office for an hour as the US President railed against “fake news” and a “Democrat media” — providing his insights on the Iran­ian economy, ISIS terrorist prisoners he wanted to send to Europe, America’s military arsenal, his own restraint, Australian mateship, China as a global threat and the wonderful table arrangements FLOTUS (First Lady Of the United States Melania Trump) had designed for the Morrisons’ White House dinner.

Scott Morrison and astronaut Andy Thomas are seen reflected in the visor of a space helmet at the NASA headquarters. Picture: AAP

In an almost unprecedented half-hour of aggressive questions and feisty answers, Mr Trump simultaneously shocked and mesmerised the media pack at a “photo opportunity” with the Australian Prime Minister — an event that usually involves a few minutes of posing and pleasantries.

Instead, the President took question after question about military options against Iran, his assessment of China and his trade war, local “scandals”, what a great mate and man Mr Morrison was and promoted him above John Howard as George Bush’s “man of steel” to a “man of titanium”.

Mr Morrison was asked questions and invited to buy in on the President’s analysis of weaponry, coalminers’ “black lung”, tariffs on Chinese imports and taking strikes against Iran.

Nervous looks were again cast at the red button as nuclear weapons were discussed and Mr Trump said he could order a strike “right in front” of the media. It was a good thing the President didn’t feel thirsty or want a cup of coffee because pressing the call button to order a drink would have induced collective heart attacks.

Scott Morrison is presented with a woodcut of the Australian flag at the Bunker Lab program in Alexandria. Picture: AAP

But for all his unconventional behaviour, political disruption, unpredictable pronouncements and ironic humour, Mr Trump did not faze or embarrass Mr Morrison, who was on a political razor’s edge in relation to Australia’s attitude to China and its wish to continue the “100 years of mateship” with our American ally.

While declaring Mr Morrison had his own “strong views” on China, Mr Trump invited his Australian counterpart to speak for himself. The result was an endorsement of the free-trade principles the Prime Minister has consistently set out without public criticism of China.

Mr Morrison was walking a tightrope above a brawling Chinese dragon and American bald eagle. He continually pointed to the US as being our oldest, most important, ally, the shared values of the two nations and the warmth of the US reception, without endorsing the tough talk of the President or departing from his script on China and free trade.

Scott Morrison and wife Jenny at the Bunker Lab program in Alexandria. Picture: AAP

There was no doubting the depth of feeling in the first state visit for an Australian prime minister since John Howard’s in 2006, with massed bands, meetings with top officials, the grand White House dinner and meetings with the top tier of US business. When Mr Morrison said “thanks, mate” on the lawns of the White House after a welcome in front of 4000 guests, it was genuine. Mr Morrison demonstrated a deft touch, remaining silent when necessary and maintaining his principles.

At the end of the day, Australia’s commitment to helping impose sanctions on Iran has not changed, business relations with the US were enhanced, personal rapport with Mr Trump was elevated to a new high and China had no grounds for complaint.