Chinese state media has seized on Paul Keating’s much-criticized meeting with the country’s top foreign affairs official, praising the Labor hero as an “insightful Australian”.
Mr Keating has become a prominent critic of Australia’s approach to the United States and China and met with the economic superpower’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, in Sydney on Thursday during a diplomatic visit.
Photos of the meeting between the two men at the Chinese consulate were released last night, with the Chinese government saying Mr Keating had declared that “China’s development and revitalization is unstoppable”.
“Keating said that China’s huge economic volume and vast development space do not pose a threat to other countries and are conducive to regional peace and stability,” read a press release. published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
“He expressed full confidence in the prospects of Australia-China relations.”
Chinese media have capitalized on Paul Keating’s much-criticized meeting with the state’s top foreign affairs official while he was on a diplomatic trip to Australia.
In the footage, Mr Wang comfortably placed his hand on Mr Keating’s back and led the former prime minister into the meeting room.
Mr Wang described Mr Keating as a “world-renowned statesman”, as the two men sat opposite each other in oversized armchairs with cups of tea.
In a separate article published by the Global Times – China’s official newspaper – Mr Keating was described as an “insightful Australian” for his outspoken criticism of the AUKUS deal.
“Some perceptive Australians have already realized that Australia is ceding its sovereignty to the United States,” the article reads.
“Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating recently criticized the AUKUS agreement as the “worst international decision”. Hopefully, such comments can sound the alarm for countries interested in joining AUKUS, regardless of the pillar.
Following the meeting, Mr. Keating issued a statement praising the “very enjoyable and engaging event” and acknowledging that Mr. Wang’s meetings with government officials were productive.
“Mr Wang Yi highlighted China’s ability to continue its growth and develop it strongly, pointing out that China is still only 55 percent urbanized – with 20 percent still to go.
“It was essentially an overall debate on balances and geostrategic influences in the world.
“He said the world would always benefit from China’s ability to provide high-quality goods at relatively low prices, which would help ensure higher standards of living in the West.”
Mr Wang called Mr Keating a “world-renowned statesman” as they sat opposite each other in oversized armchairs with cups of tea.
Mr Keating has repeatedly criticized the Albanian government’s approach to China, saying Foreign Minister Wong had been co-opted to take a “insane pro-US stance”.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who has been the target of much criticism of Mr Keating, issued a statement emphasizing that the former prime minister does not represent or speak on behalf of Australia.
“Mr. Keating is entitled to his opinions. He does not speak for the government or the country,” Senator Wong said in an earlier statement to The Australian.
And opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham raised questions about the optics of Mr Keating’s meeting earlier in the week.
“Take a look at what Paul Keating has to say about Penny Wong and the Albanian government. And he was very, very critical of them,” Mr. Birmingham noted.
On Friday, he doubled down on his stance, calling Mr. Keating’s “attitude to how we view regional security challenges” “misplaced, misguided and frankly dangerous.”
“When it comes to what Paul Keating has to say and his impact on Australia, it is essential that Australian governments reject much of his outlook and approach because it gives far too much cachet and ignores the real strategic challenges.
Penny Wong gave some cautionary advice to China’s top foreign affairs official this week, a move likely to infuriate former Labor hero Paul Keating.
She met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, but the official also requested to meet Mr. Keating on Thursday.
“Frankly, it was entirely wise for the Chinese embassy to request this meeting and request this meeting, which is somewhat insulting to Penny Wong and the Albanian government, which Paul Keating has been so critical of.”
At the opening of the Australia-China Strategic and Foreign Dialogue, Ms Wong reiterated her promise to confront Chinese leaders on key issues.
She said she was “looking forward to speaking frankly about Australians detained in China, human rights, maritime security and regional and international issues”.
Wong spoke of China’s “dangerous conduct” in the South China Sea and urged the nation to respect international law.
His contribution on this topic in the past has angered Mr Keating, who has emerged as a strong supporter of China and critic of the AUKUS deal.
At the ASEAN Summit, Ms Wong said: “We are facing destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions, including dangerous behavior at sea and in the air and the militarization of controversial areas.
“We know that military power expands, but measures to limit military conflict do not – and there are few concrete mechanisms to prevent it.
A day later, Mr. Keating criticized his comments, saying “it doesn’t take much to encourage Penny Wong, wearing her ‘deeply concerned’ frown, to make China tremble.”
The comments prompted a swift response from Mr Albanese, who considers Ms Wong one of his closest confidants.
“Penny Wong is someone who brings a lot of respect to Australia. She is someone diligent, she is someone engaging, she is someone who is present in all her files” , did he declare.
“Paul is responsible for what he says, he knows it. But as far as Penny Wong is concerned, I very clearly think he is wrong.
Mr Albanese attended Ms Wong’s wedding to long-term partner Sophie Allouache at Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills on Saturday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong married Sophie Allouache in a romantic ceremony in Adelaide Hills.