Albanese stands by Ukraine but won't rule out photo with Putin

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out appearing in a photograph alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at an upcoming summit, despite condemning the invasion of Ukraine as "illegal and immoral".The expected appearance of Mr Putin at APEC in China later this week has created a diplomatic challenge for many world leaders, with Mr Albanese leaving the door open to joining the traditional leaders' family photo at the event."I will respect and of course take into consideration the wishes of our host country," he told reporters in Manila on Sunday.Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he would take part in the photo out of respect for China, but other leaders are yet to indicate their position.Mr Albanese is in the Philippines for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' summit and will travel to Shenzhen for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on Wednesday.Anthony Albanese at a signing ceremony for the Philippines-Australia Defense Cooperation Arrangement ahead of the 49th ASEAN summit in Manila. (Reuters: Hollie Adams)Mr Albanese welcomed the prospect of talks between Mr Putin, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of APEC, amid concerns the three leaders could seek to carve up the world into spheres of influence."We think that dialogue is a good thing, and we await the outcome of that dialogue," Mr Albanese said."We want to see something constructive come out of that, including, we want to see a de-escalation [of] conflict from around the world."Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has likened the proposed three-way meeting to a "Yalta 2.0" moment, invoking the 1945 conference at which allied leaders discussed the post-war order in Europe.Asked if the trilateral talk undermined Australia's push for greater cooperation between middle powers, Mr Albanese said he would continue to engage with the US and China, while standing firmly behind Ukraine."What's important about the struggle of the people of Ukraine is that they're not just standing up for their sovereignty; they're standing up for the international rule of law."Mr Albanese played down any prospect of a direct interaction with Mr Putin at APEC but said he would make Australia's position clear if the two leaders found themselves in the same room."This is a bigger country being a bully in contravention of international law," he said.Australia signs defence pact with PhilippinesMr Albanese witnessed the signing of a new defence cooperation between Australia and the Philippines that is expected to bolster freedom of navigation in the contested South China Sea.Australia will also make an additional investment in maritime security capabilities, including drone technology and equipment and training to improve the detection of threats.The Philippines has been involved in increasingly tense confrontations with Chinese vessels in disputed waters, where Beijing asserts sweeping territorial claims.But Mr Albanese rejected suggestions that Australia's agreement was designed to counter China's growing military influence."This isn't aimed at any one country," he said."This is about supporting sovereignty of every country."[The] majority of our trade goes through the South China Sea, this is important."The prime minister, who also met with Australian sailors aboard HMAS Stalwart in Manila, confirmed Australia would continue its freedom of navigation activities in the region, despite repeated criticism from Beijing."We have exercises that are important; we have no intention of changing that," he said.Anthony Albanese has welcomed the prospect of talks between the leaders of the US, China and Russia at the APEC Summit. (Reuters: Tingshu Wang)Mr Albanese will travel to China later this week for APEC and talks with President Xi, but declined to confirm if he would directly raise issues in the South China Sea."We'll engage diplomatically rather than … through the media," he said.In a lighter moment during his Manila visit, Mr Albanese also welcomed news that Filipino fast food giant Jollibee would open 35 stores across Australia over the next five years, creating an estimated 900 jobs."It's fantastic food, fantastic food," he declared after visiting one of the chain's restaurants.Trump to push US-led AI initiativeThe prime minister is also expected to use this week's ASEAN and East Asia summits to push for a de-escalation of conflict in the Middle East, warning its economic consequences are being felt throughout the region.Mr Albanese said he would continue to make Australia's position known to Mr Trump, who is due to attend the East Asia and Quad leaders' summits in Manila on Tuesday.The US president is expected to use the summits to push South-East Asian countries to join the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which offers funding and technical support to governments that adopt American AI systems for public services.Australia is a member of the initiative, but Mr Albanese emphasised the government's own approach to AI safety and the need for international regulations.Albanese apologises for 'dick' hot mic gaffeMr Albanese also apologised for a recent hot mic incident involving a conversation with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen about the potential impact of mobile phone radiation on their "dicks"."Of course I regret that, I apologise," the prime minister said of the remarks made on the sidelines of the COP31 UN climate summit last week."This was a private conversation, we thought, between two friends having … a light-hearted banter."No one was hurt or harmed."Meanwhile, Mr Albanese confirmed he would raise the case of Australian man Tran Kip, who is detained in Vietnam on alleged terrorism charges, during a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart.Mr Albanese said the government would pursue the matter through diplomatic channels, pointing to previous efforts to secure the release of Australians detained overseas."Australia engages respectfully and diplomatically," he said.