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‘Act of aggression’: Albo unleashes at China’s dangerous act, talks up greater defence ties

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned China’s dangerous move over the South China Sea as an “act of aggression”, as he spoke about how to prevent strategic competition with Beijing from spilling over into armed conflict.

Australia will seek greater defence ties with Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations as it aims to prevent strategic competition with China from spilling over into armed conflict, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said as he condemned Beijing’s “act of aggression”.

Mr Albanese confirmed he had not received a response from Beijing after raising serious concerns with its officials over one of its fighter jets intercepting an Australian maritime surveillance plane in international airspace over the South China Sea, releasing flares and chaff in a dangerous incident.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor. Picture: MUCHLIS / PRESIDENTIAL PALACE / AFP
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor. Picture: MUCHLIS / PRESIDENTIAL PALACE / AFP

Mr Albanese is in Indonesia, where he held discussions with President Joko Widodo in Bogor Palace for more than an hour behind closed doors on Monday, after the pomp of the official welcome.

China’s increasing assertion and a pledge for “peace” in the region played a role in the talks as the two leaders discussed how to ensure the strategic competition remains peaceful, as well as forging closer ties.

Mr Albanese said the way to do this was through strengthening Australia’s relationship with Indonesia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including increased co-operation and engagement in defence, as well as maritime transport and ­security.

Anthony Albanese returns from laying a wreath at Indonesia's National Heroes Cemetery. Picture: Ed Wray/Getty Images
Anthony Albanese returns from laying a wreath at Indonesia's National Heroes Cemetery. Picture: Ed Wray/Getty Images

“There’s a range of areas we can provide assistance to strengthen that relationship,” he said.

Mr Albanese said Australia and Indonesia held similar views around “competition without catastrophe” between the US and China in the region.

In a veiled reference to China, Mr Widodo said he hoped the good relations between Australia and Indonesia would “contribute to the peace and prosperity in the region”.

“Therefore, international laws must be followed consistently,” he said.

“Strategic competition in the region must be well managed to avoid open conflict.

“The culture of peace and strategic trust needs to be strengthened continuously.”

Anthony Albanese and Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace. Picture: MUCHLIS / PRESIDENTIAL PALACE / AFP
Anthony Albanese and Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace. Picture: MUCHLIS / PRESIDENTIAL PALACE / AFP

Mr Albanese confirmed he had not heard from Beijing after making “strong representations” about the incident over the South China Sea.

“We regard the actions of China in this area as being an act of aggression and a dangerous act against the Australian air force, which was conducting aerial surveillance in accordance with international norms,” he said.

As well as China, the two leaders discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, climate change, better co-operation in the region and global economic recovery from Covid-19.

Australia also confirmed it will attend G20 in Bali in November, which some countries are considering boycotting due to the attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a show of support for Indonesia.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison, prior to the election, had said the Russian leader’s attendance would make many “uncomfortable”.

“The work of the G20 is critical at this time of global economic uncertainty and it will be by working with Indonesia that we most effectively tackle the many challenges we face in navigating the post-Covid global economic recovery,” Mr Albanese said.

“I’m focused on sitting with President Widodo, not sitting with President Putin. It’s in Australia’s interests to have a good relationship with our Indonesian friends.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has also been invited to attend the G20, likely via video link.

Mr Albanese also committed to a $200 million climate and infrastructure partnership with Indonesia.

“True to my government‘s ambitious climate targets, I want better access to reliable and secure clean energy right across our region,” he said.


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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/act-of-aggression-albo-unleashes-at-chinas-dangerous-act-talks-up-greater-defence-ties/news-story/161658c061139027d146bc49da67f88c