Over the years, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong watched the last government squander engagement opportunity after opportunity with our regional neighbours, eventually putting all of Australia’s eggs in one basket of US and UK security alliances.

And now, as three vital summits take place this month (ASEAN-East Asia in Cambodia, the G20 in Indonesia and APEC in Thailand), there is room for renewal. Combined, these meetings will test, first, Australia’s understanding of the turbulence and contours of international affairs, and second, recognition by our neighbours of Australia’s new doctrine and style.