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