Australia committed to regional balance
In the face of China's growing influence and an evolving regional landscape, Wong reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting a region where sovereignty is protected.
"I've made it clear for a number of years now that we want to see a region where no one country dominates and no country is dominated.
"We want to see a region where sovereignty is protected. We want to see a region where there is a balance of power and strategic stability, where countries can make their own choices and where we do not see coercion or duress," she said.
Wong reaffirmed Australia's longstanding commitment to maintaining balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific, adding that the government would continue working with countries in the region and beyond to uphold those principles.
She was speaking to the media at a press conference held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings.
She also emphasised the importance of continued US engagement, calling it critical to maintaining strategic stability in the region.
"US engagement in this region is critical to strategic stability. We believe that and we continue to work not just with the US but with Asean to assure that and also with other countries, including South Korea and Japan," she said.
On ties with China, Wong said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would proceed to Beijing for the next annual leaders' meeting, describing it as part of Australia's diplomatic framework with China.
"We have made clear we want a stable relationship with China. We know there are areas where we can cooperate, and we will.
"But we also know that dialogue and engagement are in all our interests because that enables us to navigate the relationship better," she added.
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