Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia “can play a role” in any potential trade war that erupts between the United States and China when Donald Trump takes office.
President-elect Mr Trump has vowed to implement sweeping tariffs, with China set to be the hardest hit.
Mr Albanese said during his call with Mr Trump last week following his election win, he told him it is in the US’ interest to trade with Australia because of how fast it was growing.
The PM, who jets off to the APEC summit in Peru on Wednesday before he continues to G20 in Brazil, is aiming to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines.
“We are a trading nation, and we support free and fair trade between countries, and we support a global system as well that is able to operate in everyone’s interests. Everyone benefits if you have a fair trading system, and we’ll continue to advocate that, because that’s in Australia’s national interest,” Mr Albanese told ABC Radio.
“Now the strategic competition that exists between the United States and China is something that we’re dealing with as well.
“We think that we can play a role as a middle power. Australia is trusted, our word matters.
“We have an alliance with the United States, but China is our major trading partner.”
The APEC summit in Peru will focus on a more sustainable global trading economy, while the G20 in Brazil will prioritise the clean energy transition.
Asked if any progress could be made, given the pending return of Mr Trump to the White House, Mr Albanese said he “certainly” hopes it can.
“And I’m sure that all of the leaders of the Asia Pacific at APEC and then the 20 largest economies in the world at the G20 will be focused on achieving some positive outcomes for Australia. It’s really important,” he said.
https://thewest.com.au/politics/federal-politics/anthony-albanese-talks-up-australias-role-in-potential-us-china-trade-war-c-16732879
