North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among high-profile leaders in Beijing for a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
Victoria's contentious COVID-19-era premier Dan Andrews also attended the event, was seen shaking the hand of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and was photographed with world leaders.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Labor figures defended Australia's presence at the military parade which featured tanks, state-of-the-art aircraft and perfectly synchronised troops.
Rudd-era foreign minister Bob Carr said he was in Beijing for commemorations and while he did not attend the parade he would have avoided being photographed with world leaders if he did go.
"I certainly would have avoided them, if there were the remotest a possibility," Mr Carr told ABC's 7.30 program.
Mr Carr earlier posted on social media platform X that he would use his time in China to address Chinese foreign policy think tanks.
Asked why Mr Andrews, who attended in a personal capacity, was arguably the most high-profile Australian at the event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese batted away concerns.
"We're sending a diplomat, we'll be there," he told reporters in Canberra.
The last time Australia sent a representative to the 70th anniversary of the wars' end in 2015, then-prime minister Tony Abbott chose government minister Michael Ronaldson, Mr Albanese said.
The coalition had raised questions over Mr Andrews' and Mr Carr's attendance given Australia's ambassador to China did not take part.
"They need to explain why they're attending a military parade that Vladimir Putin is attending and what that actually tells the world," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Nine's Today show.
Victorian government minister Vicki Ward leapt to Mr Andrews' defence, pointing to the importance of diplomatic ties.
"He's going as a private individual. These are choices that he's made in a private capacity," she told reporters in Melbourne.
"It's important that we maintain good, healthy relationships with those countries that are in our region.
"That we as a government look after the interests of this state, whether it is economic or whether it is social."
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is scheduled to travel to China for a trade mission later in September, her second overseas trip since taking the reins from Mr Andrews.
Mr Andrews travelled to China seven times as premier, copping flak for his final foray in 2023 when he refused to allow members of the media to accompany him.
Australia's relationship with China has thawed significantly since Labor took power federally.
In July, the prime minister spent a week travelling China and unveiling new partnerships through trade, tourism and business.
On the other hand, Australian ties with the US - one of its closest allies - have become strained under President Donald Trump as he continues to impose tariffs on Australia's exports to America.
But Mr Albanese has continued to back the US relationship, saying "the United States is our most important partner".
"My job as the Australian prime minister is to stand up for Australia's national interest.
"I engage diplomatically across the board and I look forward to continuing to participate."
