Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, delivered a speech at the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, highlighting the unprecedented threats facing the Indian Ocean, which she stated are just as severe as those confronting Pacific nations. These threats include regional security issues, climate change, and humanitarian concerns, all of which have been causing major worry. The conference saw the gathering of 400 delegates from 34 countries, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with the focus being on the challenges to prosperity and peace due to heightened risk of conflict, rising tensions, and disputes in the region.
In her speech, Wong pointed out that expanding military powers are showing a greater interest in the Indian Ocean, with China’s rapid military build-up being a notable example. This has led the foreign minister to advocate for greater transparency and new ways to protect against miscalculations or accidents arising from the increased military and commercial vessels in the Indian Ocean, which now hosts over one third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic.
Wong stressed the importance of active diplomacy to avert military conflict, as research vessels are particularly vulnerable to becoming embroiled in strategic plays in the region. She also highlighted Australia’s efforts to contribute to the region’s strategic balance and highlighted initiatives such as the Marine and Coastal Resilience Hub and the Blue Carbon Hub, both focusing on climate change research and sustainability.
Wong’s comments were made ahead of the ASEAN-Australian Special Summit in Melbourne, where security is expected to be a key topic of discussion.