Part 3/8:
Promoting peace initiatives in the Middle East
Ensuring the South China Sea remains open and free for navigation
Preventing a military attack on Taiwan
Downer contended that these issues are essential for regional stability and Australia's national security.
Prime Minister's Engagements and Geopolitical Discourse
A point of critique from Downer concerns Albanese's diplomatic outreach, notably his extensive visit to China without engaging with US leadership, particularly President Joe Biden. He expressed concern over the optics of a diplomatic mission focused solely on China, suggesting that neglecting to meet with the US President signifies Australia’s apparent detachment from the core regional security alliances.