TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Leaders in Australia’s ruling government have jointly attacked opposition leader Anthony Albanese for his alleged weakness when it comes to standing up to China.
Liberal parliamentarian David Littleproud said Albanese lacks the "ticker" (courage) to resist Beijing’s economic bullying, according to a report by The Australian. The attacks come after Albanese earlier in the week made an address pledging he would, if elected, seek to remain steadfast in defending human rights but also revive the country’s economic relations with China.
In response, Liberal leaders leaped to attack Albanese’s seemingly softer approach to Beijing. While acknowledging the economic relationship’s importance, Australia’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said, “We will not put our economic interest ahead of our national interest.”
“No man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it,” said Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan, quoting former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt.
The accusations come after Australia voiced support for an EU-led case against China at the WTO for allegedly unlawful sanctions leveled against Lithuania amid an ongoing trade spat between the two countries that initially began as a diplomatic spat over the naming of Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius.
Canberra seeks to take part in multilateral consultations on the case, citing its own experience of economic bullying by China and the substantial interest it has in the Lithuanian dispute, according to a report by the West Australian. Relations with China are set to be a major issue in Australia’s upcoming national elections.