Angus Taylor urges government action readiness on Taiwan.

Angus Taylor urges government action readiness on Taiwan.

Indo-Pacific region’s security. His remarks come at a time of increasing global focus on Taiwan, following new revelations about U.S.

In an interview with Sky News, Taylor said Australia must “stand for our national interest, and that includes ensuring the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.” He added, “We need to be ready to act when our principles, allies, and strategic interests are at risk.”

A Strategic Flashpoint

Taylor’s comments are part of a broader conversation on Australia’s defence posture amid growing concerns about China’s assertiveness and the status of Taiwan — a self-governing democracy that Beijing considers a breakaway province.

The comments also come in the wake of reports that the Trump administration had privately urged Australian officials to clarify their stance on Taiwan and to specify what role, if any, they would play in a hypothetical military conflict between the U.S. and China.

While the current Albanese government has not confirmed any such discussions, Taylor said, “Australians deserve to know what commitments the government is prepared to make in defence of peace and democracy in our region.”

Taylor’s remarks coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ongoing six-day trip to China, where he is holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The trip marks the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to China in seven years and aims to stabilize relations that have been strained over trade disputes.

Speaking from Beijing, Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for a “peaceful, rules-based Indo-Pacific” but declined to directly address Taylor’s comments. We urge restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international law,” Albanese said.

Analysts note that the contrast between the government’s diplomatic tone and the opposition’s more assertive stance reflects a larger political divide over how Australia should navigate its relationship with both the United States and China — two of its most important partners, but with very different worldviews.

Australia has been steadily strengthening its military capabilities and defence partnerships in recent years, particularly through the AUKUS agreement — a trilateral security pact with the U.S. and the U.K. that includes plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Taylor has been a vocal supporter of AUKUS and believes it forms part of a broader deterrent strategy. “We can’t afford to be caught unprepared in an increasingly uncertain world. A credible defence force is not about aggression; it’s about ensuring peace through strength,” he said.

His call for preparedness echoes similar sentiments from U.S. and Japanese officials who have warned that the Taiwan Strait is one of the most dangerous potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific.

Political and Public Debate

Taylor’s remarks are likely to reignite domestic debate over Australia’s foreign policy priorities and its role in a possible U.S.-China conflict. While some commentators agree with Taylor’s call for readiness, others caution against framing Taiwan in purely military terms.

Dr. Lavina Lee, a senior lecturer in international relations at Macquarie University, said, “Australia must walk a fine line. It’s important to deter aggression, but also to avoid unnecessary escalation. Clarity is good, but so is diplomacy.”

Public opinion in Australia has also shown signs of division. Recent surveys by the Lowy Institute show a growing number of Australians view China as a security threat, but support for military involvement in a Taiwan conflict remains limited unless it directly affects Australian interests or involves allies like the U.S.

Looking Ahead

As Prime Minister Albanese continues his diplomatic mission in China, Taylor’s remarks may complicate efforts to maintain a delicate balance in Australia’s foreign policy. However, they also reflect a hardening bipartisan consensus on the importance of national security and strategic autonomy.

Taylor concluded by saying, “We need a clear-eyed view of the world we live in. That means understanding the risks, being honest with Australians, and standing with our allies when it matters most.”

whether to act — in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.