The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Donald Trump has gatecrashed the federal election. It’s creating huge challenges for Australia’s next government

  • Written by Rebecca Strating, Director, La Trobe Asia, and Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University




Much of the world is finding out it’s a very difficult time to be a friend and ally of the United States.

That includes the major parties vying for power at the May 3 federal election. While voters may be preoccupied with the cost of living[1], it’s impossible to ignore the global tumult caused by the second Trump administration.

Who would have thought six months ago that the US would vote alongside Russia and North Korea on UN resolutions[2] on Ukraine, while China abstained? Or that it would propose transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean resort?

Given the uncertainty reverberating across the globe, do we need to rethink our major foreign relations? Will the ANZUS alliance survive the second Trump presidency unscathed?

Whoever forms Australia’s next government must diversify its approach to foreign policy to include more engagement with partners in Asia and the Pacific. It does not mean abandoning the US alliance, but it does mean avoiding over-reliance.

Friends like these

US President Donald Trump’s widespread imposition of tariffs[3] is unravelling the global economic order.

Australia was not specifically singled out for punishment. Nevertheless, the 10% slug on Australian imports prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn[4] the tariffs as illogical:

they go against the basis of our two nations’ partnership. This is not the act of a friend.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was equally frank when he complained about Australia’s poor treatment:

We have a special relationship with the United States and it hasn’t been treated with respect by the administration or the president.

We have been let off relatively lightly compared with many other economies[5]. But there may be an unforeseen strategic impact on Australia. For example, will other countries in our region decide that China is a more trustworthy partner than the US? What would that do for regional stability?

Dutton has questioned[6] whether Albanese has the right character as leader to deal effectively with Trump.

It is unlikely any Australian prime minister could have done much to avoid the tariffs. We should consider the possibility that Trump doesn’t think much about Australia, which will shape the bilateral relationship for the foreseeable future.

US vs China

Trump himself remains the wild card. His administration has prioritised ending the war in Ukraine, alienating European allies[7] along the way.

The question for partners in Asia, including Australia, is whether the US is clearing the decks in Europe so it can focus on its main competitor: China. There are plenty of Beijing hawks in the administration, and China has been slapped with the steepest tariffs[8], which total 54%.

Red white and blue babushka dolls bearing the images of Xi Jinping, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
Donald Trump, and his relations with fellow world leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, loom large over Australia and the rest of the world. Dmitri Lovetsky/AAP Images[9]

In Australia, we often worry about being dragged into a great power conflict in the region. And we do appear to be entering a world of even more rapid militarisation, with all the security risks that would entail.

The signing of the AUKUS submarine agreement in 2021 was one of the clearest signals to date that Australia was siding[10] unequivocally with Washington. In the same year, Dutton declared it “inconceivable[11]” Australia would not join the US in defending Taiwan if it was attacked by China.

But now, there is an entirely different issue Australia needs to consider. The US rapprochement[12] with Russia might be interpreted as a portent of future deal-making with other authoritarian leaders, including Xi Jinping.

We can’t rule out Trump and Xi cutting a highly transactional deal on Chinese annexation[13] of Taiwan. While this is unlikely, the security calculus now needs to incorporate a diverse range of plausible futures that previously seemed off the table.

A Taiwan bargain would make regional partners, including Australia, extremely nervous. If the US is willing to abandon Taiwan, it might be willing to abandon other allies as well.

Higher defence spending

The recent transit through Australian waters by Chinese naval vessels[14] focused attention on whether Australian defence capabilities are sufficient to protect[15] our coastline – and whether the Albanese government’s response was too tepid[16].

Yet, it is the opposition that has tempered its rhetoric on China, notwithstanding its policy commitment to end the 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin to Chinese firm Landbridge.

Peter Dutton has declared[17] himself to be “pro-China”:

the relationship with China will be much stronger than it is under the Albanese government

This reflects lessons learned from the last election when a stronger tone on China hurt[18] the Coalition among Mandarin-speaking voters.

Rather than talking up the China threat, the narrative is instead around the need to increase defence spending[19].

Two columns of uniformed Australian soldiers marching on a parade ground
The Trump administration believes allies, like Australia, have taken advantage of America’s military might. Joel Carrett/AAP Images[20]

The Trump administration wants Australia to share more of the burden by lifting defence spending above 3% of GDP[21]. Such a ramp-up[22] may not be feasible in financial terms.

While Australia does need to boost military capabilities, increased spending should be determined by independent, evidence-based assessments of Australia’s defence needs.

Alliance will endure

Neither major party is questioning the alliance, which will survive the second coming of Trump. Nor will there be any debate over the AUKUS submarines, for which there is bipartisan support.

Any difference between Labor and the Coalition is likely to be on the periphery. However, one important difference will be how the respective parties think about our region. As Dutton recently demonstrated, the Coalition is less focused[23] than Labor on relations with Asia.

While Trump is sucking up much of the oxygen in Australia’s foreign relations, we simply cannot afford to forget about our partners throughout the Asia-Pacific.

This is the second article in our special series, Australia’s Policy Challenges. You can read the first piece in the series here[24].

References

  1. ^ cost of living (www.abc.net.au)
  2. ^ UN resolutions (www.bbc.com)
  3. ^ tariffs (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ condemn (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ other economies (www.smh.com.au)
  6. ^ questioned (www.lowyinstitute.org)
  7. ^ alienating European allies (foreignpolicy.com)
  8. ^ steepest tariffs (www.reuters.com)
  9. ^ Dmitri Lovetsky/AAP Images (photos.aap.com.au)
  10. ^ siding (carnegieendowment.org)
  11. ^ inconceivable (www.reuters.com)
  12. ^ US rapprochement (www.washingtonpost.com)
  13. ^ annexation (www.brookings.edu)
  14. ^ Chinese naval vessels (www.aspistrategist.org.au)
  15. ^ protect (soundcloud.com)
  16. ^ too tepid (www.theguardian.com)
  17. ^ declared (www.abc.net.au)
  18. ^ hurt (www.abc.net.au)
  19. ^ increase defence spending (www.lowyinstitute.org)
  20. ^ Joel Carrett/AAP Images (photos.aap.com.au)
  21. ^ 3% of GDP (www.afr.com)
  22. ^ ramp-up (www.aspistrategist.org.au)
  23. ^ less focused (www.youtube.com)
  24. ^ here (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-has-gatecrashed-the-federal-election-its-creating-huge-challenges-for-australias-next-government-251912

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...