If AUKUS is to bring peace and stability to & nbsp, Southeast Asia, Australia needs to take into account three crucial issues.
Australia may initially establish respect with its neighbors in Southeast Asia, particularly those who are essential to the success of AUKUS. Second, Australia needs to make sure AUKUS abides by international rules. Finally, Australia needs to pledge to forge a stable and peaceful relationship with China.
Australian supporters of the AUKUS contend that by preventing China’s expanding martial influence in the region, it may strengthen stability in Asia-Pacific. However, detractors contend that Australia should focus more on proper security cooperation with its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region than on its conventional European allies.
The main issue facing AUKUS reviewers is Southeast Asia’s response. Like other divisive local issues, Southeast Asian nations aren’t all in favor of the AUKUS. The multilateral agreement appears to be welcomed by the Philippines and NBP, as are Vietnam and Singapore, albeit indirectly. Malaysia and Indonesia pose a greater threat.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Indonesia and Malaysia have historically been afraid of extra-regional military presence, while the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore have typically welcomed it. Indonesia’s unease dates all the way back to Sukarno, its first chair.
Gaining the trust of its neighbors is in Australia’s best interests. Fear may destroy Australia’s efforts to forge closer ties with the area, especially in Indonesia, one of its most significant neighbors.
It’s essential to ensure clarity and improve conversation. After being shocked by AUKUS ‘ lack of prior conversation, Australia is working to improve communication with its South Asian counterparts.
Retno Marsudi, the foreign minister of Indonesia, and Prabowo Subianto met in February 2023 to discuss proper security concerns in the Indo-Pacific with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister of Defense Richard Marles.
Indonesia reiterated” the importance of transparency in AUKUS cooperation and … a commitment to nuclear non-proliferation ,” indicating that the United Kingdom was on the agenda.
Following the publication of the Joint Leaders Statement by the AUKUS in March 2023, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the Australian Chief of Navy, traveled to Southeast Asia on a & nbsp and met with the Indonesian Navy’s Chief, Abdul Muhammad Ali, in Jakarta.
Admiral Ali stated in a public lecture after their meeting that the Indonesian Navy thinks the AUKUS & nbsp will abide by international law. & nbsp: Indonesia has toned down its concerns even though they still exist.
By outlining its AUKUS strategy in the most recent & nbsp, Defense Strategic Review, Australia has also increased transparency. The best way to & nbsp, regain and retain Southeast Asia’s trust is through intense communication and transparency.
It’s also crucial to comply with international laws and nbsp. These nuclear-powered ships won’t be carrying nuclear weapons, Australia has emphasized. AUKUS will abide by all International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) safeguards and not break the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ( NPT ).
However, the IAEA and NPT are still debating whether transferring radioactive materials to Australia might violate their obligations to exchange nuclear incendiary devices, infringing on their security measures. Australia has reaffirmed in response that it does not intend to construct any boats that are capable of producing nuclear arms.
Australia must abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea( UNCLOS ) rules regarding the passage of submarines in addition to fulfilling its nuclear treaty obligations. Users of the Indian parliament are concerned that Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will probably pass through the coastal Sea Lanes.
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines are permitted to travel through Indian waters during times of peace under UNCLOS rules for Archipelagic Sea Lanes passages, innocent passageways, and travel routes. But there are various obligations in each paragraph.
When passing through Indonesia’s designated Archipelagic Sea Lanes or the straits generally used for global navigation, the submarines can stay buried. However, when passing through regional waters or non-designated inland waters, they may surface and display their flag.
For Australia to win Indonesia’s faith as its quick neighbor, it is crucial to abide by UNCLOS regulations. Countries in the area might view Australia as a menace to regional balance if they break them.
Australia has also pledge to maintain a cordial ties with China. While balancing China’s expanding supremacy may be advantageous, escalating tensions between Australia and China is one of the main issues facing Southeast Asia.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob andnbsp, the prime minister of Malaysia, stated shortly after the AUKUS announcement in September 2021 that the country might” provoke other powers to take more aggressive action in[ the ] region, especially in the South China Sea.”
All Southeast Asian nations, including those that welcome the AUKUS, are probably concerned about China’s increased aggression. The key to preserving peace and security in the area will be how Australia and China may resolve their differences amicably.
China’s obnoxious behavior in the area properly be resolved by AUKUS. However, despite the fact that it is in Southeast Asia’s best attention to have the United States and its allies, including Australia, as dependable partners, China is one of the most significant financial partners. Any conflict between China and Australia would be fatal for the area.
To manage the fragile balance of deterring China without escalating tensions, it will be essential to establish and maintain South Asian trust through American transparency and adherence to international law.
Aristyo Rizka Darmawan teaches international rules at Universitas Indonesia and holds a PhD in Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University.
This andnbsp, post, and was initially published by East Asia Forum and are being reprinted with permission from Creative Commons.