The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has for the very first time held a summit in Australia. Hosted at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Conference Centre in March, the summit brought together global leaders, government officials, and business figures over two days. This historic event has occurred at a time in which an uncertain international political climate has both Australian and regional governments concerned, particularly with the occasional unpredictability of the Trump Presidency and China’s rise under Xi Jinping. So when Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sent the invitation to ASEAN in 2016, it is understandable that ASEAN leaders accepted the offer.
“The central and essential role of ASEAN is recognised and respected by the great powers of the world. In a period of opportunity and challenge, we will need to strengthen that role and standing of ASEAN’s so as to advance peace, freedom and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister
August 3rd 2017, Bangkok
The talks were an opportunity for Australia to strengthen diplomatic ties in South East Asia and advance collaboration in counter-terrorism, trade, diplomacy, and regional security. The significant issues of North Korea, the South China Sea and terrorism were discussed in detail. Yet, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar regarding the nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority cast a shadow as human rights groups protested outside the conference centre demanding answers. The Rohingya minority, considered “stateless entities,” are not recognised by Myanmar’s government and have suffered hostility from the country’s military forces. This has resulted in thousands being displaced and becoming refugees since 2015. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s State Councellor (de facto head of government), faced scrutiny at the ASEAN Summit from colleagues such as Malaysia’s then-PM, Najib Razak, who deemed the crisis “no longer” a solely “domestic issue.” PM Turnbull also stated he would be discussing “issues of every description” during bilateral discussions with Myanmar representatives and reportedly raised concerns over the Rohingya crisis. Whether these discussions will result in a solution to the crisis is yet to be seen.
On a more uplifting note, stronger Australian-Indonesian relations were on full display with Turnbull and Indonesian President Joko Widodo showcasing their bromance throughout the conference. In addition to formal dialogue, the PM hosted Mr and Mrs Widodo at the Turnbull’s Point Piper residence for an intimate dinner. The blossoming relationship between these two present a stark contrast to the frosty relations following the execution of “Bali 9” smugglers Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan in 2015. The closer relationship between Widodo and Turnbull culminated in discussions of an Australian-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement. Widodo also discussed the prospects of Indonesia joining the TPP-11. Given the Turnbull government’s openness for other regional partners to join the trade arrangement, this may become a reality and further integrate the region.
“Investment and trade will be the key drivers for our economy. Australia is an important trade partner for Indonesia.”
Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia
March 15th 2018, ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
Notably, Widodo entertained the notion of Australia becoming a member of ASEAN. This interesting prospect signals a desire from Indonesia to further integrate Australia in South-East Asian diplomacy. According to Fairfax Media, this also received support from Vietnamese President, Tran Dai Quang, and Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Recently, the Singaporean High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. Kwok Fook Seng, welcomed collaboration between ASEAN and external partners. A former Director-General of ASEAN-Singapore, Mr. Kwok stated the body is willing to “invite” anyone who will commit to “help [ASEAN]” towards its “common vision” for the region. Mr Kwok remains optimistic about ASEAN’s “bright future” and both its present and future ties with Australia. The idea of ASEAN membership for Australia was previously proposed by former PM John Howard in 2002. However, it was swiftly rejected by ASEAN leaders. Despite support growing since then, ASEAN operates on a unanimous decision making model and Australian membership would require the support of all current members. Regardless of the reality that Australia won’t be joining ASEAN any time soon, it is definitely a positive sign that the notion is being entertained by members such as Indonesia, ASEAN’s most populous state and largest economy.
Overall, the summit was a positive result for the Australian government, achieving deeper ties with regional partners. Some of the tangible outcomes include a re-commitment to mitigate the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and a need for progress with an ASEAN Code of Conduct to deal with the territorial disputes of the South China Sea. Other discussions included a regional commitment to free trade and an agreement to share counter-terrorism intelligence and prevent the return of foreign fighters from the Middle East. Thus, the summit can be seen as a win for Australian diplomacy and marks a shift in foreign policy from US-centric to more diversified.
“The events of the past week have shown how vibrant and dynamic the ASEAN-Australia strategic partnership is; our business leaders are driving economic growth and creating jobs and opportunities and we’ll hear from them shortly, our security and law enforcement agencies are keeping us safe from terrorism and other threats and working more closely together than ever and of course our students, our communities our educational, cultural and sporting institutions are engaging with and learning from each other to our mutual benefit.”
Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister
March 18th 2018, ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Sydney signals some shift in Australian foreign policy in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. Increasing doubts over the Australia-America alliance as well as the Great Chinese vision of President Xi Jinping has Australian government officials worried. Hence, under Turnbull and future governments, it would be wise for Australia to continue its emphasis on the international rules based order and pursue diversification of diplomatic and security ties. One can only hypothesise as to whether this ASEAN Summit marks the beginning of such a transition and what future implications it will have for the Australian foreign policy. Whether the status quo will persist or a significant shift in Australian foreign policy is truly underway, only time will tell.
