Australian Foreign Minister Calls The Second Period Of President Trump More Annoying

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. (Wikimedia Commons/US Department of State)

JAKARTA - Donald Trump's second presidential term has been more disturbing than his first term, Australian Foreign Minister said on Wednesday, although at the same time he still hopes his country will get exemptions in terms of tariffs.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said there was "no doubt" of a series of Trump executive orders since taking office more than six weeks ago, Australia is facing "very different American governments".

"President Trump and his government envision America being very different in the world," he told the Australian Financial Review Business Summit in Sydney.

"We saw that in the first Trump administration, but I think it's clear that the scale of change in this government, the second period of Trump's administration, is even more than that."

Foreign Minister Wong further said tariffs have become the main focus of President Trump and Australia still pushing for exemptions at a rate of 25 percent for steel and aluminum that will start next week.

"I will not admit that (we will not get tariff exemptions). We still, put forward our arguments very clearly and our arguments, in my opinion, are strong arguments," he said.

He added that Uncle Sam's country is Australia's most important strategic partner and the alliance has defended the people, government and government of all political sects.

"There will be an area where our position and the position of the US may be different. It always happens. We have to navigate it wisely. We have to remember the value of the alliance," he said.