In a major policy speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore on Wednesday, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong was a major "influence" in Russia. The country said it should be used to end it. War in Ukraine.
Describe the aggression as "not provoked," "illegal," "immoral," and "inhumane," and Wong tells China, who has not blamed the aggression, to end the Ukrainian conflict. I urged you to help.
"In order to extend international influence beyond military power, China needs to use this power with restraint and legitimacy," Wong said.
Australia has imposed drastic sanctions on Russian officials, including politicians and members of the military.
Wong also told reporters in Singapore that Australia's new centre-left government has promised regional partners greater action to combat climate change.
"Australia's new government has been elected with a higher level of ambition for climate change .... we believe this is a great economic opportunity for our country as well.
Wong's speech highlights Australia's commitment to peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
Susanna Patton, an analyst at the Lowi Institute, a Sydney-based research group, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the speech also aims to find common ground in regional relations with China. Told.
"Even as Australia and Southeast Asia see more and more China, this speech seeks to reshape the relationship between Australia and Southeast Asia in a more positive way and identify common interests.・ I think it was Wong's attempt. In a very different language, "Patton said.
Australia-China relations have sunk to new lowest levels in recent years. There was controversy over human rights, democracy in Hong Kong, and Beijing's territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia. .. This year, there was friction over China's attempts to promote trade and security agendas in the Pacific.
The Australian Labor government wants to abandon the often hostile tone of the former Central Right government against China.
Wong promised a more considered approach. He reportedly could meet with Chinese counterpart Wan Yi this week beside the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
