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Wong: Asean and Australia must forge a peaceful, open Indo-Pacific
Wong: Asean and Australia must forge a peaceful, open Indo-Pacific

New Straits Times

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Wong: Asean and Australia must forge a peaceful, open Indo-Pacific

KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia and Australia must work together to shape a region that is both open and peaceful, says Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Delivering her keynote address at the ISIS Malaysia Forum on Australia and Southeast Asia, she expressed confidence in the region's collective ability to overcome shared challenges. "Our cooperation takes place against a backdrop of challenges on a scale few anticipated — but the Indo-Pacific remains the most dynamic region in the world, and it presents immense opportunities," she said. "I have great faith in our region's capacity to meet these challenges. I am confident that by working together, we can safeguard our security, stability, and prosperity. "We must actively shape the region we want — one that is open and peaceful. Achieving this will require an unprecedented application of national power, drawing on all arms of the state," she added. Wong reaffirmed that the Indo-Pacific would remain Australia's highest strategic priority, as it is where the nation's core interests reside. "We will continue investing not only in our longstanding partnerships but also in a broader and more diverse range of relationships. Australia will stand firm in upholding the international rules and norms that underpin our prosperity. "This is Australia's goal — to prioritise our region, strengthen our relationships, and uphold the rules that protect our shared interests and values. "That is why I am here in Kuala Lumpur, participating in the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meetings and the Asean Regional Forum, to seek collective solutions to the most pressing challenges we face," she said. Wong also noted her alignment with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the importance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific for all its people. While acknowledging the realities of today's world, she said Australia remained committed to helping shape a better future. She reiterated that Australia would continue raising concerns over destabilising and dangerous behaviour by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. On the economic front, Wong said Australia was keen to collaborate more closely with Asean to reform and strengthen the World Trade Organisation. She also said that Australia had committed A$60 million to its Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships initiative, aimed at expanding maritime cooperation across the region.

Australia, Asean must jointly shape regional future, says Penny Wong
Australia, Asean must jointly shape regional future, says Penny Wong

Free Malaysia Today

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Free Malaysia Today

Australia, Asean must jointly shape regional future, says Penny Wong

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong delivering her keynote address at the ISIS Malaysia Forum on Australia and Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur today. KUALA LUMPUR : Australian foreign minister Penny Wong has called on Southeast Asia and Australia to take joint responsibility for shaping the region's future. In her keynote address at the ISIS Malaysia Forum on Australia and Southeast Asia, Wong said the 10-member bloc should not underestimate its ability to shape norms and expectations for larger powers. 'For five decades, Asean has stood as a pillar of peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Let us not underestimate our strength and our power,' she said. 'This moment in our history is an opportunity for Australia and Southeast Asia to recognise that the stability of our region can only be secured through collective responsibility. We must build the region we want, not just accept the region we face.' Wong outlined five key areas for deeper collaboration – economic integration, resilience-building, defence and security cooperation, development partnerships, and conflict prevention – saying none of the region's countries could achieve long-term prosperity on its own. She also affirmed Australia's commitment to a peaceful, rules-based order, and stressed that no single country should dominate the region. 'We are realistic about China's objectives and the changing balance of power,' she said, reiterating concern over 'destabilising and dangerous conduct' by Chinese vessels targeting Philippine and Vietnamese ships. 'But we do not want a region where might makes right – rule by power alone, forcing outcomes through economic coercion or military muscle,' she said. On maritime security, she pointed to Australia's A$60 million (RM167 million) commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships in Southeast Asia, including participation in Asean defence platforms such as the ADMM-Plus. Wong said Australia's long-term engagement in the region was not just strategic, but personal. 'Australia must find its security in Asia, not from Asia,' she said, echoing Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese.

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