This week on Q+A with Stan Grant, we look beyond our borders at some of the major global issues that are having an impact both globally and locally.
Our government has tricky diplomatic and strategic waters to navigate – but how much is out of their hands?
Tensions with China continue to escalate, after Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement with her US and Japanese counterparts condemning Beijing’s military exercises around the Taiwan Strait and demanding they “immediately cease”. The Chinese Embassy pushed back, saying “finger-pointing” was “absolutely unacceptable” and accusing the US of being the “biggest saboteur” of peace in the region.
The war of words comes in the wake of Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan which saw China launching ballistic missiles in an unprecedented live-fire military drill around the self-ruled island. The US House of Representatives Speaker’s stopover was also marked by cyber attacks across Taiwan. Anthony Albanese says the “level of US engagement” with Taiwan is a matter for them, but what does it mean for our region?
Meanwhile, the international economy is in the doldrums, with inflation and interest rates biting. China’s economy is facing multiple challenges – including slowing growth and a property market decline – what will that mean for Australia?
And here at home, our military structure, preparedness and investments are being reviewed for the first time in a decade. It’s being led by a former Defence Minister and former Chief of Defence Sir Angus Houston, who says the “fast-changing” strategic environment is the “worst I’ve ever seen”. How can Australia prepare for what may be ahead?
All this, plus the news of the week.
On the panel this week with Stan Grant
Pat Conroy
Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Following the election of the Albanese Labor Government in May 2022, Pat Conroy was appointed as Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry.
James Paterson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
First elected aged 28, James Paterson has spent his professional career fighting for free markets, individual freedom and the preservation of Australia’s constitutional framework.
Sharan Burrow
General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation
Sharan Burrow was elected General Secretary of the ITUC in 2010. Prior to this, Sharan was the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) from 2000 – 2010.
Jennifer Hsu
Research Fellow, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program, Lowy Institute
Dr. Jennifer Hsu is a Research Fellow in the Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program at the Lowy Institute. She is currently working on a project which explores the intersections of Australia’s multiculturalism and foreign policy.
Damien Cave
Australian Bureau Chief, The New York Times
Damien Cave is the Australian bureau chief at The New York Times and the author of Into the Rip: How the Australian Way of Risk Made My Family Stronger, Happier … and Less American.
