Australia news live: Burke defends immigration policy; China says Aukus ‘destabilises region’, ambassador to US tells thinktank

Australia’s immigration policy remains a hot topic, with Prime Minister Anthony Burke defending it against China’s criticism.

China’s ambassador to the United States, Wang Yi, has accused Australia’s Aukus nuclear submarine deal of "destabilising the region." In response, Burke told a Washington DC thinktank that the opposition to Aukus demonstrates its success. He believes that people who don’t share Britain’s values and goals are vehemently opposing the deal.

Burke emphasized that China is rapidly expanding its nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarine capabilities. He stated, "The growth of PLA nuclear powered submarine capabilities is very profound." Therefore, Australia’s nuclear submarines are a response to this growing threat, not a destabilising force in the region.

Immigration policy also features prominently in Australia’s current affairs. Burke acknowledged that the country has seen a surge in immigrants, putting pressure on housing, infrastructure, and services. However, he argued that the government should not cap immigration numbers at this time. He stated, "We are a great immigrant nation. Make no mistake about it." Instead, Burke advocated for a more controlled approach, one that balances the demands of immigration with the country's capacity to handle its influx.