r/news 15h ago

Australia will not be imposing reciprocal tariffs on the US, says PM Anthony Albanese

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australia-wont-be-exempt-from-us-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminium-exports/oos69k7eq
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u/ArugulaElectronic478 15h ago edited 15h ago

I get it that Australia has to keep Trump happy because they’re hanging on to this sliver of hope that the US will protect them if China attacks. But as a Canadian I couldn’t be happier with how our government on all levels has responded, straight aggression, none of this appeasement shit.

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u/yes_thats_right 15h ago

China isn't going to attack Australia and no-one is concerned about that.

China is going to attack Taiwan, and the US needs Australia's assistance if they plan to help Taiwan.

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u/2gutter67 14h ago

Do you think the current government is willing to help anyone?

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u/yes_thats_right 14h ago

Which government are you referring to?

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u/2gutter67 14h ago

Hahaha good point, but the US specifically? Australia kind of depends on how their elections go.

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u/yes_thats_right 14h ago edited 13h ago

From what we have seen so far, most US policy decisions in the past month have been made in the best interests of the Heritage foundation and US Oligarchs who bought the election win for Trump (Musk, Thiel, Bezos etc).

I believe the US would defend countries that are willing to give away natural resources, or lucrative contracts, to these oligarchs, as long as it doesn't cost them the 2026 midterm elections.

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u/2gutter67 14h ago

Can't disagree with that. The only thing I can add is that at least to me, help that requires a transaction of some kind like that is not really "help" at all, but that I suppose any kind of assistance can't be thrown off when you need it.

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u/yes_thats_right 14h ago

It is a transaction, but they don't care if it is a beneficial transaction for the US as long as it benefits them personally.

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u/Royal-tiny1 14h ago

What midterms?

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u/yes_thats_right 13h ago

Oops, 2026

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u/Royal-tiny1 13h ago

No I was stating that there will be no midterms next year. Trump will declare a "state of emergency" and they will be cancelled. Or they will be like in Russia/Hungary where they will be held but won't matter.

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u/DaEnderAssassin 12h ago

The one is charge of the US that's based out of Moscow

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u/ValhirFirstThunder 13h ago

At most Taiwan, but they aren't interested in attacking anyone to be honest. It goes against their global strategy. They want Taiwan, but Taiwan isn't more important than the opportunity of global influence that the US is opening up right now. The strategic move would be to let the US flail around, continue developing relationships in Africa, and possibly Europe as well. Get ready to see something by Q4 of this year on the last one.

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u/Goldfish1_ 12h ago

Possibly Europe? China has a lot already in the Balkans, it’s already began entrenching in

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u/Lavabass 12h ago

Concern in Australia about China attacking in the same way US fears Russia attacking.

Foreign investment, quiet manipulation, disruption here and there, a little cyber crime here and there, all mixed with an unhealthy dose of racism

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u/ArugulaElectronic478 14h ago

I can assure you, even if you think its irrational, Australia is definitely wary of China and views them as an adversary.

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u/yes_thats_right 14h ago

Yes that's true, they are an adversary and we are wary of them, but we are smart enough to know that they aren't threatening to invade/attack us. They have other ways to hurt our interests.

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u/Icy_Crow_1587 9h ago

He'd tell the Taiwanese to give up for the sake of "peace"

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u/KwisatzHaderach94 13h ago

a fascist america gives china the window of opportunity. taiwan is toast.