Part 7/11:
Sitting in stark contrast to Australia's past assertiveness, some commentators warn that the current course risks turning Australia into a passive actor in its own foreign policy—an approach described as "isolationist" by opposition leader Bridget McKenzie.
McKenzie questioned whether China's recent propaganda lines calling for "strategic ambiguity" reflect success for Beijing or signify a subtle encroachment on regional stability. She warned that Australia's push for neutrality might be misinterpreted as acquiescence or weakness, especially given China's explicit statements about preparing for war, increasing nuclear arsenals, and expanding military capability.