‘You don't stand for anything': Albanese torched for dodging Taiwan conflict questions
'It's not possible to lead from a moral perspective when you actually don't stand for anything, and I don't say that to be trite, I genuinely don't,' Ms Tognini said.
'Is he going to talk to the Chinese government about its intentions toward Taiwan?
'It seems to me that the prime minister has this ceiling that he just is not capable of rising through from a leadership perspective.'
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Respect never cost anything': PM defends China outcome
Anthony Albanese has hit back at the coalition over claims of "indulgence" during his China trip, saying his rivals don't understand the importance of respect in diplomacy. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China and a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu as his visit nears the end. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. "I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world," he told Sky News on Thursday. "And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent." Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, he said. "Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China," Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. "And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. "If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. "The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward." Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. "You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal." Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. "We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship," Mr Albanese said. Anthony Albanese has hit back at the coalition over claims of "indulgence" during his China trip, saying his rivals don't understand the importance of respect in diplomacy. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China and a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu as his visit nears the end. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. "I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world," he told Sky News on Thursday. "And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent." Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, he said. "Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China," Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. "And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. "If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. "The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward." Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. "You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal." Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. "We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship," Mr Albanese said. Anthony Albanese has hit back at the coalition over claims of "indulgence" during his China trip, saying his rivals don't understand the importance of respect in diplomacy. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China and a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu as his visit nears the end. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. "I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world," he told Sky News on Thursday. "And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent." Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, he said. "Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China," Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. "And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. "If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. "The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward." Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. "You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal." Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. "We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship," Mr Albanese said. Anthony Albanese has hit back at the coalition over claims of "indulgence" during his China trip, saying his rivals don't understand the importance of respect in diplomacy. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China and a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu as his visit nears the end. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. "I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world," he told Sky News on Thursday. "And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent." Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, he said. "Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China," Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. "And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. "If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. "The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward." Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. "You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal." Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. "We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship," Mr Albanese said.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Changing lives': PM's moving moment in China
Anthony Albanese has wrapped up his lengthy state visit to China by watching young boy hear for the first time using an Australian-designed implant. The Prime Minister's final official engagement on Thursday was a tour of Cohclear's plant in Chengdu. Mr Albanese has touted Australia's world-leading med tech sector in the Chinese research hub, keen to carve out a big piece of the pie as demand grows on the back of China's exploding middle class. But he has been keen to stress the human benefits to doing business throughout his time in China. 'It must be extraordinary to hear for the first time,' Mr Albanese remarked as he and fiancee Jodie Haydon were shown around the Cochlear facility. 'You are changing lives.' The plant opened in 2020 and follows the same manufacturing process as in Australia. Donning blue personal protective equipment, Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon ventured into a sterile space to inspect the three main Cochlear products. They were also shown a glass-walled room where the products are assembled. The room was 10-times more sterile than a surgical theatre. Mr Albanese was then taken into a private space where he watched the moment a young boy's Cochlear implant was activated. Speaking to media ahead of the tour, he said it would be an 'incredibly proud moment'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spruiked Australian technology, including the cochlear impact, on his final official event in China. NewsWire/ Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer Credit: News Corp Australia 'The idea that an Australian invention gives someone who has never heard the voice of their mum or dad, brother sister, never heard the sound of airconditioning, to hear sound of the river, the birds tweeting – it's amazing,' Mr Albanese told reporters. 'We should be so proud of what we're doing, and it will be an incredibly proud moment for me this afternoon as Australian Prime Minister, to be able to witness that' He also thanked the boy's family 'who have agreed and … wanted to show the difference that it makes'. After five days of high level meetings and sightseeing in three different cities, Mr Albanese will on Friday fly back to Australia.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
PM watches moment young boy hears for the first time during China trip
Anthony Albanese has wrapped up his lengthy state visit to China by watching young boy hear for the first time using an Australian-designed implant. The Prime Minister's final official engagement on Thursday was a tour of Cohclear's plant in Chengdu. Mr Albanese has touted Australia's world-leading med tech sector in the Chinese research hub, keen to carve out a big piece of the pie as demand grows on the back of China's exploding middle class. But he has been keen to stress the human benefits to doing business throughout his time in China. 'It must be extraordinary to hear for the first time,' Mr Albanese remarked as he and fiancee Jodie Haydon were shown around the Cochlear facility. 'You are changing lives.' This was incredibly special. Suhang’s cochlear implant was activated, and his parents invited us to witness it. Cochlear is a proud Australian invention, and by sharing our skills and technology we can change lives across the world for the better. Cochlear have now helped… â€' Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 17, 2025 The plant opened in 2020 and follows the same manufacturing process as in Australia. Donning blue personal protective equipment, Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon ventured into a sterile space to inspect the three main Cochlear products. They were also shown a glass-walled room where the products are assembled. The room was 10-times more sterile than a surgical theatre. Mr Albanese was then taken into a private space where he watched the moment a young boy's Cochlear implant was activated. Speaking to media ahead of the tour, he said it would be an 'incredibly proud moment'. 'The idea that an Australian invention gives someone who has never heard the voice of their mum or dad, brother sister, never heard the sound of airconditioning, to hear sound of the river, the birds tweeting – it's amazing,' Mr Albanese told reporters. 'We should be so proud of what we're doing, and it will be an incredibly proud moment for me this afternoon as Australian Prime Minister, to be able to witness that' He also thanked the boy's family 'who have agreed and … wanted to show the difference that it makes'. After five days of high level meetings and sightseeing in three different cities, Mr Albanese will on Friday fly back to Australia.
