Prime Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Open Trade While Strengthening Strategic Ties Across Asia
Seoul, October 30, 2025 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a delicate diplomatic balancing act at the APEC Summit in South Korea, publicly rejecting US President Donald Trump’s assertion that tariffs benefit allies, while receiving effusive praise for last week’s landmark $13 billion critical minerals and rare earths agreement between Australia and the United States.
A Diplomatic Show of Respect, Yet Firm Policy Stance
During a state leaders’ dinner in Gyeongju, President Trump singled out Albanese, stating, “You’ve done a fantastic job,” and complimenting the Prime Minister on the minerals deal. The US President even clinked glasses with him and thanked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for the hospitality. Despite this public endorsement, Albanese clarified his stance: “We believe that the more open trade occurs, the better it is for the global economy and for Australia,” reiterating Australia’s consistent support for free trade.
This encounter marked the third face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in just over a month, coming shortly after their official White House discussions and the historic minerals deal.
Regional Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
Albanese’s visit to Asia has been a whirlwind of diplomatic activity. In Malaysia, he signed new trade and education agreements, met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and launched Monash University’s new Kuala Lumpur campus, emphasizing job creation and investment opportunities for Australians.
In meetings with leaders from Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Cambodia, Albanese stressed regional stability and cooperation, while addressing climate change and economic integration through initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community.
Balancing Relations with China
Albanese also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. The Australian Prime Minister confronted Li over a “dangerous and unprofessional” incident in which a Chinese warplane dropped flares in front of an Australian patrol jet over the South China Sea. Despite this, Albanese described China as a “friend,” underlining that diplomatic engagement and frank discussions are crucial for national and regional interests.
Japan Seeks Australia’s Leadership
Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female head of government, called on Australia to spearhead efforts for a free and open Indo-Pacific, citing shared values of democracy and free trade. Albanese described the partnership with Japan as strategic, emphasizing joint responsibilities for regional prosperity and security.
Conclusion
Amid continuing US-China trade tensions, the Australian Prime Minister has navigated a complex diplomatic landscape, reinforcing Australia’s position as a key partner in regional economic and strategic initiatives. The $13 billion minerals deal with the US and ongoing engagement across ASEAN countries underscore Australia’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
