US President Joe Biden has joked with Anthony Albanese about whether the prime minister would fall asleep during the Quad summit in Tokyo, after he attended directly after Saturday’s election and weeks on the campaign trail.

Albanese enjoyed the lighthearted moment in a formal gathering of four leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India, his diplomatic debut on the world stage to discuss regional security.

The Labor leader promised Australia would take ambitious action on climate change and outlined a stronger role in South-East Asia.

Biden said America will support Taiwan against China, as he jested with Albanese and other leaders.

“You got sworn in, got on a plane and if you fall asleep while you’re here, it’s OK,” he said.

Watch the exchange here

“I don’t know how you’re doing it! It’s really quite extraordinary, just getting off the campaign trail. Congratulations on your election. As I you when you won and I called you, we greatly appreciate your commitment on being here so soon after taking office.”

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with PM Kishida @JPN_PMO, @POTUS and @narendramodi at the Quad Summit in Tokyo. We affirmed our shared commitment to the Quad, and to a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. I look forward to hosting Quad Leaders in Australia in 2023. pic.twitter.com/pQ97B1nufQ

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 24, 2022

The summit comes amid a new political storm over whether the US would take military action to defend Taiwan from China, and if Australia would follow, despite China’s strong trade links.

Press PLAY below to hear from US President Joe Biden on the security issues