Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, expressed trust in both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a televised debate with opposition leader Peter Dutton ahead of the May 3 election. Albanese, leading the center-left Labor Party government, cited discussions with Trump and criticized the 10% tariffs on Australian imports as self-harm by the United States. Dutton, of the conservative Liberal Party, also addressed the issue, calling actions by the Trump administration disgraceful. The debate highlighted the importance of Australia’s relationships with the U.S. and China, key security and trading partners.

The discussion also touched on China’s trade barriers against Australian exporters, which were imposed following demands for a COVID-19 inquiry. These barriers, costing up to 20 billion Australian dollars annually, have since been lifted under Albanese’s government. Dutton emphasized the need for a respectful relationship with China while standing up for Australia’s sovereignty. Both leaders emphasized the importance of trust and growth in the Australia-China relationship.

The leaders will engage in a final debate hosted by Nine Network television on April 22, offering voters further insights into their approaches toward international relations and trade policies. The debate showcased differing perspectives on foreign policy and trade dynamics, underscoring the complexities of Australia’s diplomatic engagements with major global players.