Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under scrutiny following the attendance of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews at a military parade in China. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, has drawn criticism from federal Opposition members and former political leaders.
The parade, which took place in Beijing on September 3, 2023, showcased China’s military capabilities, featuring tanks, advanced aircraft, and synchronized troops. Andrews was seen greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, and later posed for a group photo that included Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The attendance of Andrews at an event attended by leaders known for their controversial regimes has raised eyebrows.
Criticism surfaced from Opposition leader Sussan Ley, who questioned the judgment of both Andrews and former New South Wales premier Bob Carr. Ley stated, “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.” Carr, initially reported to be attending, later announced he would not be participating, labeling the event as a “Soviet-style” display. Instead, he plans to engage in discussions on Chinese foreign policy at separate events.
The Opposition’s home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie characterized the parade as “a celebration of the Chinese Communist Party” and a “parade for dictators.” In light of these comments, Albanese was asked about the implications of Andrews being one of the highest-profile Australians at the event. He responded, “He’s not meeting them,” indicating that Andrews was attending in a personal capacity. Albanese reiterated that Australia would maintain diplomatic representation, noting, “We’re sending a diplomat, we’ll be there,” although Australia’s ambassador to China was absent from the parade.
Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also weighed in on the matter, stating that if she were in Andrews’ position, she would have declined the invitation. “Go there for a holiday, do your business talks, but there’s no need to attend this military parade,” she commented during an interview with Sky News.
Despite the criticism, Victoria’s government minister Vicki Ward defended Andrews’ attendance, emphasizing the significance of maintaining diplomatic ties with China. Ward stated, “He’s going as a private individual. These are choices that he’s made in a private capacity,” underscoring the importance of fostering healthy relationships with nations in the region.
Andrews has made multiple trips to China during his tenure as premier, having visited the country seven times. His final trip in 2023 was controversial due to his decision to exclude the press from accompanying him. Notably, the Andrews government had previously entered into a contentious agreement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which was later terminated by the federal government under then-foreign affairs minister Marise Payne.
The relationship between Australia and China has shown signs of improvement since the federal Labor government assumed power. In July 2023, Albanese undertook a week-long visit to China aimed at enhancing partnerships in trade, tourism, and business. Conversely, Australia’s ties with the United States have become increasingly strained, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Australian exports.
Albanese continues to advocate for a strong alliance with the United States while navigating the complexities of international relations. As the discourse around Andrews’ attendance unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect perceptions of Australia’s diplomatic strategies in the region.
