Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed concerns regarding China’s “concerning” military expansion and has committed to countering the “destabilising and dangerous” actions of Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, mere days before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping.
During her address at the Institute for Strategic and International Studies in Kuala Lumpur, Wong highlighted that the challenges within the Indo-Pacific region are significant and beyond prior expectations. However, she noted that the region still presents numerous opportunities, calling it “the most dynamic region in the world,” and expressed confidence in its ability to tackle these challenges.
Acknowledging the shift in the United States’ global role under the Trump administration, Wong noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. She asserted that fostering an “open and peaceful” region would necessitate an “unprecedented application of national power.”
Wong emphasised the critical role of the United States in maintaining strategic stability in the region, which empowers all countries to pursue their sovereign interests. She also remarked on China’s significant potential to positively engage in global issues, including climate change, health, and trade.
However, Wong issued a caution regarding China’s intense military presence and its rapid advances in nuclear and conventional capabilities. She stated that Australia maintains a pragmatic understanding of China’s growing influence, while asserting that no nation, including the US, seeks military confrontation with China.
Instead, Wong called for a balanced power dynamic where no single country holds dominance over others. Her remarks coincided with Prime Minister Albanese’s imminent six-day visit to China, which will mark his fourth meeting with President Xi Jinping. In contrast, he has faced challenges in securing similar interactions with US President Donald Trump, although past phone conversations have taken place.
Several critical issues currently impact the long-standing Australia-US relationship, including tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, a revision of the AUKUS agreement, and pressures for Australia to enhance its defence expenditure.