Australia and its regional allies will not be deterred by China’s “provocative” maneuvers, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to assert, amid escalating tensions over Beijing’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific. During her address at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, Wong plans to criticize China’s recent test of a nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile in the South China Sea, emphasizing the lack of transparency and insufficient advance notice associated with the launch.
Wong is set to voice concerns over China’s rapid military modernization and growing nuclear capabilities, arguing that increased transparency is crucial for maintaining stability in the region. Her remarks come in the wake of another incident in the South China Sea, where the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of using force against a Filipino sailor. Australia has reiterated its apprehensions about actions that pose threats to the safety of vessels from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Beyond regional security issues, Wong is expected to caution against any disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that instability in this critical maritime passage could have significant repercussions for energy supplies, trade, and food security throughout the Indo-Pacific. She will stress the importance of keeping international sea lanes open, highlighting the dependency of many countries in the region on uninterrupted maritime trade for essential goods like fuel and fertilizer.
Australia is anticipated to reaffirm its commitment to collaborating with ASEAN partners to bolster regional stability, secure supply chains, and promote economic resilience amid the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions. The emphasis on partnership and cooperation reflects Australia’s strategic approach to addressing the challenges posed by China’s assertive military posture and ensuring the continued safety and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.