Albanese Under Fire Over Andrews’ Controversial China Trip: “A Slap in the Face to Australia’s Values”
- Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews sparks outrage by attending China’s military parade alongside Putin and Kim Jong-un
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends Andrews’ decision, saying he’s not meeting with the Russian or North Korean leaders
- Critics slam Andrews’ attendance as a “show of poor judgement” and a “celebration of the Chinese Communist Party”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been grilled over former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ attendance at China’s largest-ever military parade, where he rubbed shoulders with **strong>Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. The event, marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War Two, has been labelled a “parade for dictators” by the federal Opposition.
Andrews, who was spotted shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping and posing in a group photo with the trio, has drawn criticism for his decision to attend the parade in a personal capacity. The federal Opposition has slammed the move, saying it’s a “slap in the face to Australia’s values” and a show of “poor judgement”.
“I think for those two individuals, they need to explain why they are attending a military parade that Vladimir Putin is attending and what that actually tells the world,” Opposition leader Sussan Ley said.
Albanese, however, defended Andrews’ decision, saying he’s not meeting with Putin or Kim Jong-un. “He’s going as a private individual. These are choices that he’s made in a private capacity,” Albanese told reporters.
But critics argue that Andrews’ attendance at the parade is a thinly veiled attempt to cosy up to China’s communist regime. “It’s a celebration of the Chinese Communist Party, and for an Australian politician to attend it, I think, is a show of poor judgement,” said Opposition home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie.
Andrews has previously faced criticism for his close ties with China, having travelled to the country seven times as premier. His government also signed up to China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative agreement, which was later cancelled by the federal Coalition.
Despite the backlash, Albanese has continued to back Andrews’ decision, saying that Australia needs to maintain good relations with countries in the region. “We’re sending a diplomat, we’ll be there,” he said.
However, not everyone is convinced. Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she wouldn’t have attended the parade if she were in Andrews’ shoes. “Go there for a holiday, do your business talks, but there’s no need to attend this military parade.”