Australia’s shadow foreign minister, Simon Birmingham, expresses support for reinvigorating trade with Beijing while emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles. Birmingham welcomed the resumption of trade with Beijing, particularly the decision to lift the ban on Australian live rock lobster exports. This move follows a meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Communist Party Premier Li Qiang during the ASEAN summit in Laos.
Birmingham acknowledges the years of trade disputes between Australia and Beijing, including false claims of heavy metals in Australian lobsters. He condemns the coercive trade sanctions imposed by Beijing in response to Australia’s call for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
While Birmingham sees the positive aspects of the trade agreement, he emphasizes the need for Australia to maintain its principles when engaging with China. He notes the differences in values between the two nations and stresses the importance of standing up for Australia’s values and interests.
Birmingham also highlights the need for Australia to foster respectful relationships with other nations in the region, such as the Philippines and Taiwan, to present a united front when dealing with Beijing. He criticizes the slow response of the Albanese government to national security issues, citing the HMAS Toowoomba incident as an example.
In conclusion, Birmingham advocates for a consistent, clear, and upfront approach in addressing security concerns and risks in the region. He emphasizes the importance of working with regional partners to promote a peaceful and stable environment where all nations are respected.
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