The government regards the meeting between Albanese and Xi Jinping at the G20 as a positive gesture for bilateral relations but do not have high expectations for the outcome of this meeting. The government hopes China to ease some trade sanctions on Australia and at least send some positive signals regarding bilateral trade. Despite high level interactions, the government believes the bilateral relations remain fragile and both sides need to find specific items of cooperation that could promote the relations.

The Australian government believes when dealing with China, they should learn the lesson from Morrison’s government, that is to say, the intensified political conflict within the party especially when Morrison and Dutton’s competition for a say in their attitude towards China has put Foreign Minister Payne in a dilemma, leading to Australia’s foreign policy being seen as “amateur”. The successful meeting between Albanese and Xi Jinping has been welcomed by labor party members. The labor government should lessen the times when they condemn China in public, avoid criticism from party members and opposition party because of a more moderate stance towards China, and focus on getting practical results in relations with China。

What’s more, the government believes that China’s increasing influence in south pacific region marks its diplomatic failure. Australia hasn’t paid any attention to South Pacific Island countries rising concerns about climate change issues in recent years, leading to South Pacific Island countries’ dissatisfaction towards Australia, thus give China a chance. Considering the geopolitical complexity of the south pacific region, the government believes that America’s influence in this region should be promoted to keep Australia’s say.

The government is cautious of Taiwan’s joining CPTPP. Labor party claims Albanese’ remarks that Australia doesn’t support Taiwan to join CPTPP was misinterpreted. The government reckons that it would not make any comment regarding this issue and let other member countries to express their positions first.

The government has come to realize that it has a greater role in America and its allies considering China’s increasing military strength. China can already attack American soldiers in Guam within a short time and Australia is within the scope of China’s rapid military strikes. Australia will be the frontline position for coalition forces to lead the counterattack after the outbreak of the Taiwan Strait conflict.

Given that there is currently no significant possibility of conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Australia’s Taiwan policy will be ambiguous. It would maintain its relations with China to a large extent while show its independence in foreign affairs. 

The government would be pragmatic regarding China’s human rights issue, but this doesn’t mean labor party would change its attitude about this issue. It is just making sure that this issue would not steal the thunder. The government reckons that the bilateral relations with china is on the rise, it shouldn’t irritate China at this sensitive period. Labor Party is to decrease observation of Chinese Ships.