.svg)
TRANSCRIPT
Interview – Sky News, First Edition
Monday, 14 July 2025
Subjects: PM Albanese in China, Albanese–Trump, AUKUS, Taiwan
E&OE
Peter Stefanovic
As we've been reporting this morning, the US has cast a huge shadow over Prime Minister Albanese’s tour of China by asking whether we plan to use the submarines we’re purchasing from the US to assist them if China makes a move on Taiwan. It seems a reasonable question.
Joining us this morning on the Monday panel is the Assistant Foreign Minister, Matt Thistlethwaite, in Canberra, and Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic, joining us from Darwin. Good to see you both.
Matt, I’ll start with you – if China were to make a move on Taiwan, would we help the US?
Matt Thistlethwaite MP
Decisions like that are made by the Australian Government. We act in our national interest. We’re a sovereign nation, and we make our own decisions.
Our objective is the maintenance of the status quo – a peaceful, stable region that benefits all. That’s how the government approaches international relations.
Peter Stefanovic
But do you think it is a peaceful, stable region right now?
Matt Thistlethwaite MP
We are doing everything we can to maintain peace and stability. That’s why the Foreign Minister was at the ASEAN conference this week reinforcing that message. The Prime Minister did the same in China.
Peace and stability in our region are fundamental to the security of Australians, but also to our economy and jobs. The Prime Minister is committed to maintaining that status quo.
Peter Stefanovic
Maria, I’ll put the same question to you – if China were to make a move on Taiwan and the US asked for help, would we have to provide it?
Senator Maria Kovacic
Thanks, Pete. Our priority is stability and maintaining the peaceful status quo in the region.
Two things are important here: yes, the Prime Minister’s trip to China matters. Building people-to-people ties and a good relationship with China is essential – they are our neighbour and a significant trading partner.
But that can’t come at the expense of our safety and national security. The Prime Minister needs to have very clear, frank conversations with Chinese leadership while he’s there.
Peter Stefanovic
But if China made the first move on Taiwan, would we be obliged to help the US?
Elbridge Colby has weighed in on this, suggesting that if we’re buying US submarines, we’d be expected to help with them. Matt, does that seem like a reasonable expectation? Or is it irrelevant because any Chinese move on Taiwan could come before we even receive the subs?
Matt Thistlethwaite MP
The whole purpose of AUKUS is to increase Australia’s military capabilities in partnership with the US and the UK.
AUKUS is about deterrence – ensuring peace, stability, and the maintenance of the status quo in the region. That’s the basis of Australia’s approach.
Peter Stefanovic
But is the US out of line with this request?
Matt Thistlethwaite MP
We’re working with our partners to maintain peace and stability. The US alliance is critically important to us.
Right now, we’ve got Talisman Sabre underway – the US has one of its largest contingents ever participating, alongside 18 other nations. It demonstrates strong cooperative ties, all focused on regional stability.
Peter Stefanovic
But realistically, if peace and stability break down and there’s a move on Taiwan – and most experts believe that could happen within years – would we help the US?
Matt Thistlethwaite MP
Again, that’s a decision for the Australian Government of the day, made in our sovereign interests. We’re a sovereign nation and any decision like that will be made on behalf of Australians. That won’t change.
Peter Stefanovic
Maria, back to you – Elbridge Colby’s comments on AUKUS: is it fair for the US to expect our support if we’re buying their subs?
Senator Maria Kovacic
That’s a matter for the US administration, but here’s the key point:
Last week, the Prime Minister talked about “Team Australia.” Well, it’s time for the Prime Minister to step up for Team Australia. He needs to have the necessary conversations with President Trump and the US administration to ensure that AUKUS is secure and reliable moving forward.
He also needs to address tariffs – none of this has been done in a meaningful way. That’s why there’s confusion and concern.
The US is a longstanding friend and strategic ally. But the conversations that the government should be having with the US aren’t happening – and that needs to change.
[ENDS]