Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I was asked about the visit. I was asked about the defence relationships which relate to China and the fact that we do have strategic competition in the region that we have to deal with. And during that visit, those comments by the shadow minister for defence were entirely irresponsible. When it comes to Australia's position, I put forward, as I have publicly, that we were concerned about what occurred earlier this year. I also put forward the response that it was in international waters, in the context that Australia participates in exercises in the South China Sea—in the region—in a consistent way. And it's not just Australia. At the same time, of course, our Talisman Sabre exercises were occurring. But we regularly participate not just as a nation state; we participate as well with our ally in the United States. But we also participate with other countries in international waters. That is what we do. We comply with international law, and we expect international law to be complied with as well.

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