Australian Leaders Trade Barbs Over Beijing Policy

Morrison and Albanese clash on party's failing in dealing with CCP

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during the second leaders' debate ahead of the federal election at Nine Studios in Sydney, Australia, on May 8, 2022. AAP Image/Pool, Alex Ellinghausen

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his opposition counterpart Anthony Albanese clashed on the issue of China during the second televised debate between the leaders on May 8 in the lead-up to the federal election.

For both men, the debate was crucial as it came one day before early polling opened on May 9—the official date of the election is May 21.