Australia seeks a balance power in South East Asia, says Penny Wong

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, arrives in Kuala Lumpur today to attend the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Australia seeks a balance of power in South East Asia where no country dominates and no country is dominated, said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Speaking on Asean, Wong said the regional bloc has a unique voice that can build norms and set expectations for both great and small powers.

"We may be bound by the geography that fate has chosen for us, but we are strengthened by the partnership that we choose for ourselves — and our partnership means leaning in, not leaving it to others," she said in her address at an Australia–Southeast Asia forum here on Thursday (July 10).

She added that Australia would continue to voice its concerns over Chinese vessels engaging in dangerous conduct in the South China Sea.

Wong is currently in Malaysia to attend various meetings under the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.