Andrews attended an event hosted by Xi Jinping, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII defeat, alongside former foreign minister and NSW premier Bob Carr.
Notably, Andrews stayed for the military parade, seen by many as China’s challenge to the U.S. and Western nations.
His presence at the march has sparked a wave of criticism, but Allan took a different stance.
“It is good for Victoria that Daniel Andrews is held in such high regard by the people of China,” she said.
“Victoria is an old friend of China and these connections are so valuable for our state.
“I’m eager to enhance this relationship by leading a trade mission to China this month, engaging with business, government, educators, and communities, and unveiling Victoria’s new China strategy.”
Liberal Senator Jane Hume said Andrews’ decision to do so displayed an “extraordinary lack of judgement”.
“It was clearly a sign of military might, a display of military might quite threatening in its intentions,” Hume said on Today.
“And there (Andrews) was, standing alongside some of the most unsavoury characters from right around the world.”
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Carr subtly criticized Andrews, stating he informed the Chinese ambassador of his decision not to attend the parade.
“Do you think that I was excited by the idea of watching weapons? I certainly would have avoided them,” he said.
China expert Neil Thomas, from the Asia Centre, said Andrews’ presence was “not a great message”.
He noted that international leaders like Putin, Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko, and Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing, who were also present, face Australian sanctions.
“It’s beneficial for former prominent politicians to consult with DFAT and other relevant government sectors on such trips,” Thomas remarked.
“Of course, you know, they are out of office. They can make their own decisions.
“But I think just plugging into Australia’s diplomatic apparatus to let people know and give them a heads up, rather than having them find out through Chinese government announcements, is probably a better way to go about doing things.”
Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy told Today Andrews’ decision was that of a “private indivdual”.
“I know there’s much commentary across the country in regards to that photo … but at the end of the day, it was a decision that Dan Andrews wanted to make,” she said.
