Book reveals how Keating is guiding Albanese between China and Trump

A newly published book by historian James Curran offers insight into the relationship between former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and current leader Anthony Albanese. According to the book, Keating continues to shape Albanese's foreign policy approach, offering guidance on how Australia should balance its ties with two powerful and unpredictable partners: China and the United States under President Donald Trump.

The "two sharks"

The book uses the metaphor of "two sharks" to describe the delicate position Australia finds itself in, needing to navigate carefully between the two powers. This reflects the broader challenge facing Canberra: maintaining strong trade and economic ties with China, one of Australia's largest trading partners, while preserving its long-standing security alliance with the United States, an alliance that has become less predictable since Trump's return to the White House.

Keating's continuing influence

Keating, who served as Australia's prime minister during the 1990s, remains regarded as one of the most influential voices within the Labor Party on foreign policy matters. The book suggests he continues to informally counsel Albanese, also a Labor leader, on strategic decisions involving the region's major powers.

The Politico report, based on Curran's book, notes that this kind of engagement from a veteran statesman highlights a wider debate within Australia over how the country can best protect its interests amid heightened geopolitical tension between Washington and Beijing.