US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are set to hold a lavish state visit amidst concerns over China’s assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas threatens to overshadow their focus on China.
During their visit, Biden will host Albanese to a gala dinner on the White House lawn, preceded by a day of diplomacy and a joint press conference in the renowned Rose Garden. The grandeur of the occasion underscores the significance the US places on Australia as a key ally in countering China’s growing assertiveness.
US officials have stated that they share close alignment with Australia on the pressing conflicts occupying Biden’s attention: the Middle East and Ukraine. Given the gravity of these situations, the White House canceled a performance by rock band the B-52s at the dinner to ensure appropriateness. First Lady Jill Biden explained the decision, acknowledging the sorrow and pain being experienced globally.
Albanese and his partner, Jodie Haydon, arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening, where they were greeted by Biden. The Australian first couple received an antique 1886 writing desk as an official gift from the Bidens during an informal dinner.
The state dinner, taking place on Wednesday, will be held in a temporary pavilion on the South Lawn and will include an exchange of toasts. This will be only the fourth state dinner hosted by President Biden, with previous recipients including the leaders of France, South Korea, and India.
Biden’s invitation to Albanese came after the US President had to cancel a planned trip to Australia in May to work on a deal with Congress to avoid a catastrophic US default. However, the US Congress is now engulfed in further turmoil that could potentially hinder funding for the AUKUS security agreement among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Amidst these circumstances, the Australian Prime Minister’s visit occurs against the backdrop of multiple global crises. US officials highlight Australia’s significant role as a major supplier of military aid to Ukraine in its battle against the Russian invasion. Australia is also providing humanitarian aid during the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. A senior US administration official stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with Australia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both Washington and Canberra are seeking a reset in their tense relations with Beijing. Albanese is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early November, while Biden may meet Xi at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco later the same month.
The visit will also feature announcements on technology cooperation, including a $3.2 billion Microsoft investment focused on artificial intelligence. Additionally, there will be discussions on clean energy and securing supply chains for critical minerals.
Overall, President Biden’s state visit with Prime Minister Albanese serves as a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the US and Australia. While concerns regarding China remain a key focus, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict threatens to overshadow the visit’s agenda.
