Australia’s Leader Walks Fine Line Between Xi and Trump in China

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese traveled to China determined to focus on trade and jobs, but navigating the tensions between the US and China, particularly over security flashpoints like Taiwan, will loom over this trip all week.

While he was effusive during his first two days in Shanghai on the prospect of greater trade between the two nations — especially against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s tariff threats — he played down anything security-related, batting away questions on reports of US demands for more defense spending and commitments on Taiwan.