Australia is being ‘outplayed’ in our own backyard by Russia and China, security expert warns

Australia must bolster its ability to operate in the “twilight zone” of diplomacy and national security, as experts warn we’re losing regional influence to China and Russia.

Australia must bolster its ability to operate in the “twilight zone” where everything from coastal patrols to foreign aid and economic development in the Indo-Pacific is used to strengthen national security, as experts warn the country is currently being “outplayed” by China and Russia.

As the Coalition seized on Labor’s refusal to clarify if Russia actually made a request to Indonesia about basing long range planes on its shores, Anthony Albanese played down the Opposition’s demand for a briefing on the issue.

“I’m waiting for them to ask for a briefing on who faked the moon landing,” the Prime Minister said.

Security experts said they expected many discussions were taking place at a “diplomatic level” between the two countries in the wake of reports of Russia’s request last week, and cautioned not all would be made public.

Regional security analyst Dr John Blaxland says influence in the Asia-Pacific isn’t just about military presence. Picture: Jamie Kidston/ANU

“A lot goes on behind the scenes, official and unofficially, between Australia and Indonesia,” ANU North America Liaison Office director and security expert Dr John Blaxland said.

“It’s a complicated relationship.”

Dr Blaxland said he was more concerned about Australia needing to up its capability to use non-military avenues like aid and development and border patrols to bolster the nation’s security outreach in the Indo-Pacific.

“Security is more than just defence,” he said.

“We’re being outplayed … by China in particular, but also by Russia.”

It comes as Moscow’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, accused Peter Dutton and Mr Albanese of trying to out-do each other with anti-Russian commentary during the federal election.

Dr Blaxland said Russia wanted to “play a role” in the Pacific, and in response Australia needed a “much more sophisticated, multifaceted approach to engagement in the neighbourhood”.

Dr Blaxland said the relationship with Indonesia was “critical” and Australia “can’t be dictating to them what they do”.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands following their talks in Beijing on May 16, 2024. Picture: Sergei Bobylyov / AFP

Mr Dutton said the PM had been “ducking and weaving” on the Russia issue, and the government’s language “keeps changing”.

“What do they have to hide? I wish this Prime Minister could be open and honest with the Australian people,” he said.

Mr Dutton spent the day campaigning in Melbourne, where he visited his 12th petrol station promoting the Coalition’s fuel excise, and attended a community crime forum in the Labor-held seat of Dunkley.

Mr Albanese started his day in the ultra-marginal Labor seat of Gilmore on the NSW south coast, where several locals protested on issues including Indigenous affairs, the AUKUS deal and health.

The PM then travelled to Melbourne where he pledged $2.6 million for a free mobile GP service for people experiencing homelessness in Victoria and NSW.

Originally published as Australia is being ‘outplayed’ in our own backyard by Russia and China, security expert warns