Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Molan for that question and, like the general acclamation in the chamber just then, I also welcome you back and look forward to working with you again on defence and national security issues. In relation to the question, the Indo-Pacific region is clearly facing an increasingly complex and dynamic strategic environment. Major power rivalries, North Korean nuclear activities, challenges to international law in the South China Sea and asymmetric threats such as terrorism and cyberwarfare all have the potential to undermine security in our region.

South-East Asia is at the centre of these shifting dynamics, making regional forums that facilitate dialogue between us all and cooperation more important than ever. Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has been a central pillar of regional peace, stability and also cooperation. Australia became ASEAN's first dialogue partner 45 years ago and has since maintained a very strong commitment to engagement with ASEAN and also participation in ASEAN-centred institutions.

Australia remains steadfastly committed to ASEAN's centrality, which is why, last week, I was delighted to represent Australia at the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus in Bangkok in Thailand, and I congratulate the Kingdom of Thailand for conducting and delivering such an important forum. The ADMM-Plus is the premier forum for engagement between regional defence ministers. It seeks to foster practical military cooperation between the 10 ASEAN countries and eight Plus countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and also the United States. In Bangkok I had the opportunity to meet all ASEAN defence ministers, and I reiterated Australia's strong commitment to cooperation and to cooperating with ASEAN Plus to reinforce promotion of openness, trust and practical cooperation.