Australia PM under fire for remarks on Japanese counterpart's melon gifts

"The last thing [Takaichi] expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner."

— Shingo Yamagami , Other

"insulting"

— Angus Taylor , Politician

"were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting."

— Katy Gallagher , Politician

"a completely unnecessary interpretation of what the prime minister said."

— Tanya Plibersek , Politician

"Australia and Japan have never been closer."

— Anthony Albanese , Politician