Singapore has backed the Albanese government over the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, undercutting former prime minister Paul Keating’s claim that Australia was at odds with the region over the China-US strategic rivalry.
ASEAN’s elder statesman, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, advised China to drop its last trade sanctions against Australia and emphasised Australia’s key role in supporting security and stability in the region that spanned several generations.
Phillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence. Connect with Phillip on Facebook and Twitter. Email Phillip at pcoorey@afr.com
