Australia, despite being in the Oceania continent, is a country that has a Western perspective in terms of its geopolitical context. This situation leads to a significant power struggle between Canberra and Beijing in the Asia-Pacific Region. Indeed, the United States (US) and the Western Alliance led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are implementing the containment policy[i] they applied against the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, now against China. Australia has a very important place in this strategy.[ii]
For this reason, the country has positive relations with Western states, especially the USA. This situation is clearly understood from Australia’s participation in Western-based alliances. But at the same time, especially with the election of Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister of Australia in May 2022[iii], the dialogue between Canberra and Beijing has strengthened and Australia has adopted an approach that prioritizes diplomacy in its relations with China.
Australia constitutes a significant pillar of AUKUS, formed by the United Kingdom and the United States.[iv] This pact is important in terms of strengthening the influence of two important Western actors in the region. In fact, the alliance in question was established for the purpose of surrounding China. This increases tension and insecurity on the Beijing-Canberra line.
In addition to AUKUS, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which includes Australia, is also an important alliance implemented by the West for the Asia-Pacific Region.[v] Naturally, within the framework of the geopolitical competition between the West and China, this alliance serves as a significant front for Washington. Considering all these alliances and Australia’s symbolic representation within the United Kingdom, Canberra becomes an actor where the influence of the West is strongly felt.
The leaders of Australia and Laos signed an agreement deepening bilateral relations on March 6, on the last day of the Southeast Asia Summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Laotian counterpart Sonexay Siphandone are co-chairing the ASEAN Special Summit held in Melbourne to celebrate Australia’s 50th year as the first external partner of the 10-member bloc.[vi]
The agreement elevates the relationship to a comprehensive partnership and will provide the basis for cooperation in defense, environment, climate, clean energy, agriculture and education. Laos, the bloc’s poorest country, took over the ASEAN term presidency from Indonesia this year. Laos follows a path of increasing connectivity and strengthening resilience.[vii]
Albanese stated that the main themes of the discussions on March 6 were trade, investment, climate change, clean energy, and maritime cooperation. These were later reflected in the leaders’ statement adopted on the same day. The increasing assertiveness of China in the region and the ongoing tensions in Myanmar have been fundamental issues of the three-day summit. Due to Myanmar’s failure to quell tensions in the country since the military seized control in 2021, its right to political representation at the meeting has been denied. At the same time, the heads of state attending the summit were able to see Koalas, an important symbol of Australia, closely, and Canberra took various actions in this context.[viii]
This agreement represents an important step in deepening relations between Australia and Laos and elevating them to a comprehensive partnership. In particular, cooperation has been made in various fields such as defense, environment, climate change, clean energy, agriculture and education. This provides an opportunity to develop joint projects that can serve the mutual interests of both countries.
This agreement and summit demonstrate Australia’s efforts to increase its role and influence in the region. It is clear that Australia, in particular, wants to strengthen its position as ASEAN’s external partner. This reflects Australia’s strategic objectives, which seek to play a more active role in issues such as security, economy and environment in the region.
The signing of this agreement on the final day of the ASEAN Summit indicates how political and economic dynamics in the region are evolving. Particularly, the consolidation of China’s superpower role and the prominence of tension in Myanmar on the summit agenda reflect changes in power balances in the region.
East Timor’s participation to ASEAN can also impact the political landscape in the region. East Timor’s membership in ASEAN may further strengthen the process of political and economic integration in the region and enhance regional cooperation.
However, problems such as the ongoing tension in Myanmar continue to be a significant problem that threatens stability in the region. Such summits provide an important platform to develop strategies to tackle such challenges in the region.
On the other hand, Australia using this summit to introduce koalas and employing cultural diplomacy emphasizes the significance of soft power in international relations. Such cultural activities can contribute to the establishment of friendly relations between countries and the promotion of international cooperation.
In conclusion, such summits and bilateral agreements provide a crucial platform to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen stability in the region. However, for real effectiveness, these agreements and summits need to be translated into practical action.
[i] “The History of Containment Policy”, Thought co, https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-containment-2361022#:~:text=Containment%20was%20a%20foreign%20policy,would%20spread%20to%20neighboring%20countries., (Date of Access: 05.09.2023).
[ii] “Australia and Laos elevate Bilateral Relations at Southeast Asian Summit”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/asean-australia-china-laos-myanmar-c0170076f1d77c57319e5b209cc01264, (Date of Access: 06.03.2024).
[iii] “Australia Election: Anthony Albanese Leads Labor to Australian Election Victory”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-61267489, (Date of Access: 04.02.2023).
[iv] “What is the Aukus Alliance and What are Its Implications?”, The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/16/what-is-the-aukus-alliance-and-what-are-its-implications, (Date of Access: 03.02.2023).
[v] Mustafa Cem Koyuncu, “Hint-Pasifik Bölgesinin “Yeni Yıldızı” QUAD: Zayıflıklar, Fırsatlar, Tehditler ve Avantajlar”, ANKASAM, https://www.ankasam.org/hint-pasifik-bolgesinin-yeni-yildizi-quad-zayifliklar-firsatlar-tehditler-ve-avantajlar/, (Date of Access: 31.01.2023).
[vi] “Australia and Laos elevate Bilateral Relations at Southeast Asian Summit”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/asean-australia-china-laos-myanmar-c0170076f1d77c57319e5b209cc01264, (Date of Access: 06.03.2024).
[vii] “Australia and Laos Elevate Bilateral Relations at Southeast Asian Summit”, ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/australia-laos-elevate-bilateral-relations-southeast-asian-summit-107826672#:~:text=Catch%20up%20on%20the%20developing,of%20a%20Southeast%20Asian%20summit. (Date of Access: 06.03.2024).
[viii] “Australia and Laos elevate Bilateral Relations at Southeast Asian Summit”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/asean-australia-china-laos-myanmar-c0170076f1d77c57319e5b209cc01264, (Date of Access: 06.03.2024).
