In a blistering condemnation, former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has lashed out at the Albanese government, accusing it of abandoning the core tenets of the Labor Party in favor of a defense strategy he describes as a sellout. Keating’s scorn centers on the controversial AUKUS agreement, which he claims has eroded Australia’s independence and aligned the nation too closely with U.S. military interests, at the expense of its own sovereignty and values.
Keating’s Sharp Criticism of the Albanese Government
Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has unleashed a scathing critique on key figures in the Albanese government, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
He accused them of straying from traditional party values, particularly in their endorsement of the AUKUS agreement. In a recent interview on 7.30, Keating denounced the government’s defense policy, labeling it a betrayal of Labor’s core principles while aligning too closely with China’s interests in Taiwan.
A Dissenting Voice on Defense and Foreign Policy
Keating did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “This is not a Labor government when it comes to defense and foreign policy. This is a party that has adopted the defense and foreign policies of the Morrison Liberal government. It’s a complete sellout.” His sharp words underscore his dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach.
The AUKUS Agreement: “The Worst Deal in History”
Keating, a longstanding critic of the AUKUS agreement between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, called it “the worst deal in all history.” He expressed particular concern over the agreement that permits the transfer of nuclear materials from the US and UK to Australia, coupled with an increased presence of US military forces in the region.
“What Mr. Marles said made me cringe; it will make any true Labor supporter cringe,” Keating remarked, criticizing the Defence Minister’s stance. “There will now be an American force presence in Australia across every domain. This government has sold out to the United States—they’ve been seduced by a dinner on the White House lawn.”
The Question of Aggression: China or the United States?
Keating also questioned whether it is China or the United States that truly poses the greater threat. He highlighted China’s escalating military activities near Taiwan, pointing out that recent years have seen China engaging in several confrontations with its neighbors in the South China Sea.
According to Keating, Australia’s close alignment with the US, which he referred to as an “aggressive ally,” could make Australia a target in any potential conflict involving China. “We are better off left alone than being ‘protected’ by an aggressive power like the United States,” he argued.
Taiwan: “Chinese Real Estate”
Taiwan remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in global geopolitics. Under President Xi Jinping, China has become increasingly assertive in its claim over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. Xi has not hesitated to flex military muscle, with frequent war games in the Taiwan Strait.
Keating provocatively labeled Taiwan as “Chinese real estate” during his discussion on Australia’s defense alliance with the US. “What this is about is China asserting its claim over Taiwan, while the Americans are determined to protect the Taiwanese, despite them living on what is essentially Chinese territory,” Keating stated.
Australia’s Risk in a US-China Conflict
Keating dismissed the notion that Taiwan’s defense should be a priority for Australia. He suggested that in the event of a US-China conflict over Taiwan, Australia would bear the heaviest losses. “The Chinese will fight fiercely to defend Taiwan and their state, while the Americans will not engage in such a conflict—and even if they did, they wouldn’t win. When the Americans eventually retreat, Australia will be left bearing the brunt of the fallout,” Keating warned.
