CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) — Australia called on Thursday (November 23) on the United States to build a strong presence in Asia and bolster ties with “like-minded” partners while warning against China’s rising influence.
A more insular United States would be detrimental to the liberal nature of the world’s “rules-based order”, the government said in a 115-page foreign policy white paper.
The white paper is a guide for Australian diplomacy and provides a roadmap for advancing its interests. Announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the paper warned of risks Australia faces, particularly in the “Indo-Pacific region” due to a shift in the balance of power.
Australia and China have close economic ties but China is suspicious of Australia’s close military relationship with the United States.