Labor ‘too hesitant’ to confront Keating over China

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has claimed the Albanese government needs to be stronger in its criticism of Paul Keating's views on China after the former prime minister confirmed he would meet with top Beijing officials.Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has claimed the Albanese government is"too hesitant" to confront Paul Keating over his views on China following reports top officials from Beijing were seeking a meeting with the former prime minister.

However, speaking to Sky News Australia on Monday, Senator Sharma argued that the government needed to do more to push back against Mr Keating's pro-Beijing stance, after The Australian reported Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had requested a meeting with the former prime minister during his visit to Australia this week.

He also ridiculed Senator Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles, accusing both of incompetence and the latter of being"completely captured" by the interests of the United States. "The fact that China is seeking a meeting with him, Wang Yi is seeking a meeting with Paul Keating, I think exposes the internal divisions within Labor over this because here is one of their most revered former prime ministers telling them they've got it all wrong.

Mr Keating added the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had offered to facilitate arrangements for the meeting, a move which may draw further criticism from the opposition, although it is understood the offer was made to ensure security and appropriate diplomatic support.

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