Australia Hosts Second ASEAN-Australia Special Summit Amid Regional Geopolitical Shifts

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is hosting the second ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, bringing together the ASEAN heads of government against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts in the region.

The first summit was hosted by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, amid a swing in Australia’s stance on China‘s rising power and deepening defence ties with the United States and allies in East Asia.

The current Labor Party government under Anthony Albanese is pursuing a more diplomatic rhetoric on China while maintaining defence collaborations with the US.

Despite recent tensions with China, Australia seeks to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN as a security counterbalance to China in the region.

The summit aims to address a range of issues including security, democracy, and economic prosperity.

Controversies around previous summit attendees like Najib Razak, Hun Sen, and Aung San Suu Kyi have raised questions about Australia’s engagement with undemocratic regimes.

This year, Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr discussed maritime disputes and the continuation of social policies from the previous administration.

Amid debates on Australia’s strategic alignments, it is crucial to balance security cooperation with democratic values in the region.

Australia’s investment in ASEAN should focus on building a future-proofed regional architecture to ensure sustainable prosperity and security.

The alliance between ASEAN and Australia aims to defend a free and open global economy and address geopolitical tensions in the region.

Collaborative policy strategies are necessary to navigate uncertainties caused by increasing great-power rivalry in Asia.

The EAF Editorial Board, located at the Australian National University, emphasises the importance of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability and economic prosperity.