section_path: Political views/Foreign policy
section_name: Foreign policy
paragraph_text: Foreign policy
  
  Albanese's foreign policy beliefs have been the subject of media attention. Writing for the Australian Financial Review, James Curran noted his shift from an "idealistic left-wing critic of globalisation" to "a true believer in the American alliance". Albanese was staunchly opposed to the US-led invasion of Iraq, saying in February 2003 that "Whatever criticisms can be made of the Iraqi regime, Islamic fundamentalism is not one of them. This is one of the reasons the United States supported Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, including supplying his regime with weapons of mass destruction, which he then used against both the Iranians and the Kurds." Albanese repeatedly urged for the release of Australian whistleblower and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was being held in custody in the United Kingdom until 2024.
  
  In February 2022, Albanese condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, remarking in a press release that it was a "grave moment for humanity".
  
  In May 2022, Albanese said Australia's relationship with China would remain "a difficult one". He said that "Australia values human rights. We have spoken out about the treatment of Uyghurs, about what's occurred in Hong Kong, about Taiwan, about other minorities including in Tibet, that are suffering from human rights abuses."