How did Australia learn about the tariffs and does this make pushing back against China’s strategic goals in the region harder?

Albanese:

There’s no doubt the response on a range of issues, be it action on climate change, as well as trade issues, will affect the strategic competition that is here in the region.

There’s no question that that will occur.

And countries will have their own assessments of that.

We’ve been expecting this decision. We put a position to the United States. The United States responded. We responded to them. There’s been a series of written to and ‘fro, if you like. There’s been negotiations with Mr Lutnick and with others in the United States as well.

So, this came as no surprise to us. We – we had prepared for a period of time the response, the 5-point response that you will – we announced this morning. We met as leaders last night. And again had contact this morning with obviously the relevant ministers, as well as our economic ministers.