Anthony Albanese has spoken to the Chinese Premier about the RAAF aircraft incident.
Initial planning has begun for Japan’s new Prime Minister to visit Australia next year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the historic Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed between the two nations. This development follows a “very warm” first meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japan’s first female leader, Sanae Takaichi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Nightly can reveal that preliminary discussions are underway for the Japanese Prime Minister to visit Australia next year, fifty years after Japan signed the 1976 Basic Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo. Known as the NARA Treaty, it was signed by former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and shares its name with the Japanese city where Ms. Takaichi was born, which maintains a sister-city relationship with Canberra.
Mr. Albanese congratulated Ms. Takaichi on her recent election victory and disclosed that they discussed this year’s frigates deal. Japan is now one of Australia’s closest military partners, underscoring the strategic importance of their relationship.
Political Shifts and Environmental Debates in Australia
Meanwhile, Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson has announced she will officially change the title of her party to “One Nation,” dropping her own name from the movement she founded almost 30 years ago. In a statement on its website, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation describes the decision as “a defining moment for the movement, reaffirming its identity as a voice for ordinary Australians who value fairness, sovereignty, and unity.”
Senator Hanson stated that the change “symbolizes a renewed focus on the principles that first inspired millions of Australians to join the movement: putting the nation and its people first.” Last week, she dismissed speculation about her retirement, emphasizing her continued commitment to the party.
In environmental news, the return of politicians to Canberra has stirred debate over new environmental laws, despite only Senator Murray Watt having seen the full bill. Greens leader Larissa Waters criticized the government, claiming, “It’s almost like they gave the pen to Chevron and Woodside and Santos to write this version of our environmental laws.” The Greens are advocating for stronger protections around native forest logging and climate considerations in the approval process.
Albanese Addresses Regional Security Concerns
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed media at the ASEAN summit, expressing relief that there “hasn’t been a loss of life” following a US aircraft incident in the South China Sea. At least five crew members were rescued after a US fighter jet and a helicopter crashed within 30 minutes of each other.
“I have been briefed and the positive news that I’ve received in my briefing, these are developing issues, is that the crew on both the helicopter and the aircraft are safe,” the PM said. “There hasn’t been a loss of life and that is very positive.”
This statement comes after Mr. Albanese “very directly” raised concerns over a Chinese fighter jet incident with Premier Li Qiang during a bilateral meeting. The incident involved a Chinese jet releasing flares near an Australian maritime patrol plane.
Mr. Albanese described the meeting with Premier Li as “a positive meeting” and emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement. “Dialogue is about advancing our interests, matching our differences but dealing with each other in a frank and clear way,” he said.
International Engagements and Future Prospects
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of the QUAD meeting, a strategic dialogue involving India, Japan, Australia, and the United States. Despite uncertainties following US President Donald Trump’s return to office, Mr. Albanese expressed hope for continued engagement.
“The QUAD is important for us to engage – Australia, the US, Japan and India,” the PM said. “I’m hopeful that there will be a meeting in the first quarter, I would hope, of next year. Prime Minister Modi is due to host the QUAD meeting.”
Mr. Albanese welcomed the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Korea, viewing it as a positive step amidst global tensions. “We welcome the fact that the leaders of the two largest economies in the world are having that direct engagement,” he commented.
As the ASEAN summit continues, these diplomatic engagements underscore the complex geopolitical landscape in which Australia is navigating its foreign policy and strategic alliances.
