Prime Minister Defends Australia's Defense Spending After Chinese Ambassador Criticism

CREDIT: PM Facebook Page

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday dismissed Chinese ambassador comments about Australia's defense spending, declaring his job is to speak for Australia's national interests as the government faces questions about military threats and the AUKUS partnership review.

Speaking to reporters at a Canberra event, Albanese responded to the Chinese ambassador's morning comments about Australian defense spending by emphasizing national sovereignty over foreign criticism.

"The Chinese ambassador speaks for China. My job is to speak for Australia and it's in Australia's national interest for us to invest in our capability and to invest in our relationships and we're doing just that," Albanese said.

When pressed whether the ambassador was meddling in Australian politics, the Prime Minister deflected. "We'll make comments. That's up to them. What my job is to do is to speak for Australia, and that's what I do."

The exchange comes as Australia awaits the outcome of a US 30-day AUKUS review, with Albanese confirming Australian involvement in the process. Defense Minister Richard Marles has held direct discussions with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Prime Minister said.

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