Part 5/8:
Downer underscored the significance of maintaining strong U.S.-led alliances in the Indo-Pacific as a counterbalance to China's rising power. He expressed disappointment that Albanese's diplomatic strategy seemed neutral, with little visible effort to bolster Australia's position within these alliances.
He contrasted the electoral vulnerabilities of the United States’ leadership—such as President Trump—with the stability of China's leadership under Xi Jinping, highlighting the importance of engaging with political realities in shaping regional diplomacy.