US urges Australia to expand Pacific push to South-East Asia to counter China's expansion
The Trump Administration has called on the Morrison Government to extend its "step-up" strategy in the Pacific to South-East Asia, as Washington grapples with China's rising regional influence.
The Pacific Step-up strategy, which aims for closer engagement between Australia and its neighbouring countries, is considered one of the Federal Government's highest foreign policy and defence priorities.
Speaking at The Australian Financial Review Business Summit, US Ambassador Arthur Culvahouse Jr said his government would like to see it go further.
"We'll be pushing Australia to expand its step-up from the Pacific Islands region to South-East Asia and to look north as well," he said.
Ambassador Culvahouse indicated that the next round of Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) would look to "further enhance" the Pacific Step-up in the Pacific Islands region.
Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-12/us-ambassador-pacific-step-up-us-china-battle/12048780
The Pacific Step-up strategy, which aims for closer engagement between Australia and its neighbouring countries, is considered one of the Federal Government's highest foreign policy and defence priorities.
Speaking at The Australian Financial Review Business Summit, US Ambassador Arthur Culvahouse Jr said his government would like to see it go further.
"We'll be pushing Australia to expand its step-up from the Pacific Islands region to South-East Asia and to look north as well," he said.
Ambassador Culvahouse indicated that the next round of Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) would look to "further enhance" the Pacific Step-up in the Pacific Islands region.
Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-12/us-ambassador-pacific-step-up-us-china-battle/12048780
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