Anthony Albanese’s first summit season as Australian prime minister took place in dangerous times, but began and ended with hopeful signs. Katharine Murphy was with him for crucial meetings at Asean and the G20
Hun Sen is pacing along a carpet like a nervous teenager waiting for a date. Cambodia’s strongman is perusing flower arrangements, checking what appears to be a gold-encased smart phone. Friends are coming over. The gala dinner of the Asean summit is being staged in an enormous ballroom. The carpet is red, embossed with gold motifs. Lights the shape of triffids dangle over the heads of guests.