Anne Webster was corrected by reporters after questioning why “Chinese flags” were flying outside Parliament House. The flags were Vietnamese, displayed for President To Lam’s visit and high-level trade and security talks
Nationals MP Anne Webster has made an awkward mistake outside Parliament House in Canberra after questioning why Chinese flags were being flown — only to be told they were actually the flags of Vietnam.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Webster asked: “Can any of you tell me why we have the Chinese flag flying?”
A journalist immediately corrected her: “It’s Vietnamese.”
“Oh, Vietnam,” Webster replied.
The flags had been displayed around Parliament House for the official visit of Vietnamese President To Lam, who was in Canberra for talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Australia and Vietnam strengthen economic ties
Behind the brief political embarrassment was a significant diplomatic visit focused on strengthening trade, investment and security links between Australia and Vietnam.
Albanese and To Lam committed their countries to deeper cooperation on critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy, while also emphasising the importance of resilient regional supply chains.
Their discussions included maintaining reliable flows of essential goods, including energy infrastructure, agricultural products and other strategically important commodities.
Albanese said dependable supply chains had become increasingly important for both economic and national security.
“Whether it’s food, energy, or critical goods, both our countries have an interest in keeping trade open and reliable,” he said.
Defence cooperation also expanding
The two leaders also reaffirmed plans to strengthen defence and security cooperation.
Vietnam has previously participated in Australia’s Exercise Kakadu military drills, including in 2024 and 2026, reflecting growing strategic engagement between the two countries.
Australia and Vietnam signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, creating the framework for closer cooperation across economic, diplomatic and security areas.
RMIT to expand in Vietnam
Education and investment also featured prominently in the talks.
Melbourne-based RMIT University plans a significant expansion in Vietnam, including a new Hanoi campus and redevelopment of its Saigon South campus.
The announcement highlights the growing importance of education as part of the broader economic relationship between the two countries.
To Lam’s visit carries strategic importance
President To Lam arrived in Sydney on Sunday night for his first Australian visit while holding both the presidency and leadership of Vietnam’s Communist Party.
His position gives the visit additional political significance as Vietnam seeks to balance relationships with major powers while expanding economic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Experts argue that Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, represents an increasingly important opportunity for Australian investment and supply-chain diversification.
The visit is therefore about considerably more than ceremonial flags outside Parliament House.
But Webster’s mix-up ensured that, briefly at least, one of the most discussed moments of the visit was identifying which country those flags actually represented.