Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese followed in predecessor Gough Whitlam's footsteps, trekking up the Great Wall of China. He said that a strong relationship with the country was in Australia's national interest.

Yanqing District

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Great Wall of China, retracing the steps of former leader Gough Whitlam. During his visit, Albanese stressed the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with China, noting that it is in Australia's national interest. He addressed questions about Australia's defence spending, particularly on nuclear submarines, stating that investment in defence capability is necessary.

Albanese also reaffirmed Australia's position on Taiwan, stating opposition to any unilateral actions, despite differing reports in Chinese state media. The visit included cultural exchanges, with Chinese musicians performing Australian songs, and concluded with Albanese heading to Chengdu for further engagements.

Albanese visits Great Wall, retracing Whitlam's footsteps

A wonder of the world. 21,000 lovers. Or inspiring and even love-inducing, the PM does have a wedding to plan. Anyone happen to be a celebrant here? Oh! While that request was a little steep, with his rabbit-nose cap donned, the PM retraced the steps of Gough Whitlam, who visited this very section of the wall when he was opposition leader in 1971. But the landscape of global affairs has changed drastically since then. It is very clear that it is in our national interest for us to have a positive relationship with China. So much so, it's brought into question if billions spent on nuclear subs, namely to detract China, is necessary. We need a defence force. And we make no apologies for investing in our capability. The PM acknowledging today that, as a middle power, Australia can often have its back against the wall when doing the diplomatic dance. The role of a leader is to adjust to the world as it is, rather than as you would like it to be. Once again, stating a clear position on Taiwan, despite Chinese state media claiming otherwise. We don't support any unilateral action on Taiwan. This is Anthony Albanese's first visit to the Great Wall of China as Prime Minister, who revealed a little bit of the insight into all of these meetings, and it wasn't just politics that was discussed. The band there in the Great Hall played a different version of Paul Kelly's To Her Door, of Midnight Oil's Power and the Passion. And those gestures matter. Respect matters. With many of the formalities now out of the way, tonight, the PM heads to the city of Chengdu, best known for pandas, perhaps a sign of things to come. At the Great Wall of China, Matthew Karstunen, 10 News.

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