Barnaby’s Return Firms Up Coalition Stance on China, Rejuvenates Nationals’ Push For Regional Australia

Australia's Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, Nationals member for New England Barnaby Joyce, and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, at a press conference after a Nationals party room meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 21, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The newly installed Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Barnaby Joyce has indicated he will take a strong stance on China and climate change policies in Australia.

Joyce told his first party room meeting after winning majority support in a leadership spill on that Australia’s freedom could be challenged as other superpowers rise in the Asia-Pacific, pushing out the pax-Americana (American-led peace) that has been in place in the region since the end of World War II.