Albanese Talks ‘Cute Koalas’ in China as Taiwan Defence Question Goes Unanswered

A top US defence official has asked Australian policymakers whether they will back Taiwan in the event of a conflict.
Albanese Talks ‘Cute Koalas’ in China as Taiwan Defence Question Goes Unanswered
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacts during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishibaat the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on June 17, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch
|Updated:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing to pitch Australia’s tourism opportunities during his China tour amid probing questions from the Trump administration over his support for the democratically elected Taiwan.

Albanese’s latest comments on X on July 13 saw the prime minister praise Australia’s “beautiful beaches,” “cute koalas,” and “incredible food” in a move to increase the volume of Chinese tourists down under—part of a new campaign launched during his trip.
Crystal-Rose Jones
Crystal-Rose Jones
Author
Crystal-Rose Jones is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked at News Corp for 16 years as a senior journalist and editor.