Part 5/11:
McFersonen criticized the apparent diplomatic folly, noting that the U.S. remains Australia's strongest international partner, despite trade relationships with China. He warned against undervaluing alliances, especially the U.S., emphasizing that Australia's security should not be compromised by adopting a too-neutral stance amid escalating international conflicts.
Gazard further observed that the Trump presidency had, perhaps unintentionally, shifted the political landscape further to the left, forcing some parties into unusual alliances—including with Hamas, Iran, and Russia—posing serious questions about Australia's national security and foreign policy integrity.