Jakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
—
Australia
explained the military
China
now more often shows off expanding the reach of military power to the Pacific region.
This has emerged as a major challenge for Australia in maintaining influence in the region.
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“China continues to assert strategic influence through economic and security channels, and is increasingly demonstrating military strength in the region,” said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a speech in Canberra on Tuesday (2/12), as quoted by Reuters.
Wong said China’s move came “without the expected openness”, while the security and prosperity of South Pacific countries depended on mutual cooperation.
“This is our way of ensuring we have options if pressure is put on us. The Pacific Islands Forum shows regionalism: giving strength to small and medium countries facing power imbalances,” he said.
Previously, Australia was hit by trade restrictions worth A$20 billion (around Rp. 218 trillion) due to political disputes with China in 2020-2023.
This condition reminds Pacific countries about the risks of economic pressure when expanding cooperation with Beijing.
As Australia seeks to strengthen economic and security ties with neighboring countries, Wong said the increased involvement of external partners in the Pacific had its own impacts.
This situation means that Australia has to compete for influence every day.
“Australia can no longer be the only major partner for the Pacific region because the situation has changed,” he said.
Eleven Pacific countries currently have diplomatic relations with China, including Tonga, which has large debts to China’s state-owned banks, while three other countries have ties with Taiwan.
Amidst global development assistance uncertainty, Australia remains a stable partner with a commitment of A$2.2 billion (around IDR 24 trillion) in aid to the Pacific region to meet critical needs in difficult times.
Australia also provided A$1.3 billion (around Rp. 1.3 trillion) for climate finance in Pacific countries.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian said last year that Beijing’s security goals in the Pacific were “not a military strategy” and did not necessarily pose a threat to Australia.
(rnp/bac)
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