Foreign Minister Penny Wong says managing China-US relationships like ‘walking a tightrope'
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has acknowledged the difficulty of managing diplomatic relationships with China and the US, describing it as like 'walking a tightrope'.
China has increased its global diplomatic reach in recent months as President Donald Trump's administration pares back America's international presence.
Amid this balancing act, the Albanese government has been accused both of letting ties with the US weaken and of leaning too heavily into its relationship with China.
'I think diplomacy is often a tightrope,' Ms Wong told Sky News on Tuesday.
'In terms of the United States, they are our ally. They're our principal strategic partner. They are also our largest investment partner. None of that changes.
'China is our most important trading destination. And it is such an important power in our region. We know that there are times where we will disagree with what China articulates.
'But the world is not only those two relationships.'
She emphasised that the government's foreign policy aim is to 'advance Australia's interests in all circumstances' - balancing cooperation and disagreement.
'We obviously live in a region where China is a very, very substantial power. We are also a US ally,' Ms Wong said.
She also addressed points of disagreement with China, citing human rights issues and differences over international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
'China seeks to become a predominant power in our region. Australia wants a balance, where no country dominates and no country is dominated,' she said.
The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's six-day diplomatic visit to China, which drew criticism for its perceived softness. — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 16, 2025
Shortly before the trip, President Trump said the US would impose additional tariffs on any country aligning themselves with the 'Anti-American' politics of the BRICS group.
The BRICS organisation includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Critics argued that Mr Albanese taking the trip to China before having met President Trump sent a bad signal about the government's approach to international affairs.
His itinerary included visits to a Giant Panda breeding centre and the Great Wall of China, alongside dining with President Xi Jinping.
Former home affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo suggested Mr Albanese should have pursued a 'shorter, sharper' visit with 'blunt' discussions on Taiwan.
Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson described the trip as 'indulgent', questioning whether 'a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas' was 'strictly necessary'.
Mr Albanese defended the trip, calling it 'worthwhile' given the agreements signed on trade and tourism, and stressing the importance of fostering 'a stronger relationship'.
On Australia's alliance with the United States, Ms Wong reaffirmed the importance of the partnership, describing the US as 'our principal strategic partner'.
She highlighted the broader regional strategy, noting that engagement extends beyond the US and China to include countries such as Japan, India, and South Korea.
The Foreign Minister also reiterated Australia's commitment to the AUKUS defence pact, calling it a 'win-win-win' for Australia, the US, and the UK.
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