Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister in US for strategic talks

Two of the Federal Government’s heavy hitters have flown to the US for “significant” meetings, including one with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. But Scott Morrison says the nation won’t make decisions that are not in its national interest.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will not be swayed by the US to make strategic decisions that are not in its interest, as officials from the two nations meet for high-level defence talks in Washington on Tuesday.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds have flown to the US for the “significant” meetings.

Freedom of movement in the South China Sea, disinformation about COVID-19 and the strategic challenges of the pandemic are all on the agenda.

Marise Payne and Linda Reynolds arrive in Washington wearing face masks.

The pair will also meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Senator Payne said the meetings with their US counterparts came at a critical time.

“In the face of an increasingly complex and contested regional environment, it is vital we continue working together across the breadth of our relationship,” she said.

“Discussions at AUSMIN 2020 will centre on our shared efforts towards a stable, resilient, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, particularly in the context of the impact of COVID-19.”

🇦🇺 is partnering with @gavi to improve vaccine accessibility & affordability for developing countries across the Indo-Pacific during COVID-19. Pleased to meet Dr @NOIweala as we step up cooperation on health security with a focus on those most vulnerable, including women & girls. pic.twitter.com/bhcWvnYcXL

— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) July 27, 2020

Senator Payne said the two nations had an important relationship and could deepen their defence co-operation in alignment with Australia‘s Defence Strategic Update.

Strengthening science and technology co-operation could also provide a welcome boost for Australian researchers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday maintained Australia would make decisions based on its own national interests, and that those decisions would be made by his cabinet and National Security Committee.

“The peace and stability of the region is in the interests of everybody in our region, and that would include China,” Mr Morrison said.

 “We have the greatest of alliances and friendships with the United States.

“That’s what’s good for Australia, and where our actions together (with the US) contribute to peace and stability in our region, then that is very much in Australia’s national interests.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington.

Mr Morrison last year signed a letter of intent between NASA and the Australian Space Agency to help a plan to return to the Moon during a visit to the US.

Opposition defence spokesman Richard Marles said Australia must assert the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in the South China Sea.

“Most of Australia’s trade goes through that body of water,” Mr Marles said.

“As a matter of principle, everything should be on the table, including freedom of navigation of operations.

“But it is also very important that the government is properly managing its relationship with China.”

Senator Payne said it was important that the complex international talks happened face-to-face. However, safety and health measures to mitigate COVID-19 risks would be followed.

Both Senator Payne and Senator Reynolds will quarantine for 14 days following their return to Australia.