Australia’s Albanese said strong views expressed in Quad meeting on Russia

TOKYO (Reuters) – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned on Tuesday “sturdy views” have been expressed on Russia in a gathering of leaders of the Quad group of nations.

Talking to reporters after talks in Tokyo between the leaders of the USA, Japan, India and Australia, and earlier than a leaders’ assertion was issued, the newly put in Australian chief mentioned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “was mentioned and you will notice reference within the assertion”.

“The Russian unilateral, unlawful, immoral assault on the individuals of Ukraine is an outrage and the atrocities being dedicated on harmless civilians is one thing that we could not have anticipated within the twenty first century,” he mentioned, citing what he had advised fellow leaders about Australia’s view.

“Definitely sturdy views have been expressed within the assembly,” he mentioned.

U.S. President Joe Biden advised reporters in Tokyo there was no change to a U.S. coverage of “strategic ambiguity” on Taiwan, a day after he appeared to stretch the boundaries of the U.S. line on the island by saying he can be prepared to make use of drive to defend it.

Requested about Biden’s feedback, Albanese mentioned there was “no change” in Australia’s place on Taiwan.

“There needs to be no unilateral change to the established order,” he mentioned.

(This story corrects spelling of identify in first paragraph.)

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Modifying by Kim Coghill)