Australia has the courage to support the U.S.-led democratic international order against Chinese imperialism. President Trump is thus right to invite Prime Minister Scott Morrison to the second state dinner of his presidency.

While the pomp and pageantry of the event will be significant, the real importance of this dinner is in showing Australians that America values them as allies. This is especially crucial in that President Trump’s commitment to longstanding alliances has not just occasionally seemed flexible. The reassurance matters particularly to Australia. After all, if the Australians are to continue their support for the United States, they want to know that America will have their back.