'Zip': Hanson has no answers for challenges facing Australia, says Rudd

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stated on the 7.30 program that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson lacks the understanding of how to govern Australia effectively. During the interview, Rudd discussed several topics including Australia's AUKUS agreement, China's President Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump. Hanson's One Nation party has seen its primary vote surpass Labor, with Anthony Albanese still preferred as prime minister according to a Redbridge poll.

Rudd, who now serves as the global president of the Asia Society, noted that while Senator Hanson's act remains the same, it is difficult to govern the country and address practical issues such as national security, the economy, environmental sustainability, and basic services like housing affordability. He emphasized that the key to governing effectively is coming up with practical responses to these challenges, while the easy path is to act as a protest vehicle and mix in racial politics.

Rudd, fluent in Mandarin and with a doctorate in Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighted China's growing submarine fleet. China now possesses 60-75 submarines, 15-20 of which are nuclear-powered, with several ballistic missile submarines. Rudd supported Australia acquiring nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement, as it would enhance the Royal Australian Navy's capabilities to safeguard Australia's interests in the Indo-Pacific.

However, some, like Victor Gao, vice-president of the Center for China and Globalisation, warned against the acquisition of nuclear submarines.

Rudd speculated that China might attempt to seize Taiwan by force by 2028, citing Xi Jinping's recent comments about the issue being dangerous and the possibility of conflict. Rudd also pointed out the significance of the United States' military presence in the area, emphasizing that the US Pacific Command, led by Admiral Samuel Paparo, plays a crucial role in sustaining US deterrence over Taiwan.

He concluded by stating that while political language may fluctuate, the actual substance of the US defense posture lies in the capabilities set represented by US Pacific Command.