Australia should deepen ties with Asia to give itself more room to pursue its interests: SM Lee
He pointed to opportunities for cooperation that would help countries “see each other as partners in development, and not solely through the prism of US-China rivalry”.
Australia must strengthen its connections with Asian nations, especially those in Southeast Asia, to expand its opportunities and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his fourth and final Boyer Lecture. The minister emphasized that deeper regional relationships would provide Australia with greater space to pursue its own interests amid the growing rivalry between the United States and China.
He highlighted potential areas of cooperation, such as the digital and green economies, public health, and counterterrorism, which could foster a sense of partnership among nations instead of viewing them solely through the lens of the US-China rivalry. Despite being a treaty ally of the US and a partner in Aukus, Australia's security and defense partnerships should be complemented by self-reliance, according to Lee.
He cited former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who encouraged Australians to shape their own future while recognizing that their interests might not always align with those of the US. Nevertheless, self-reliance should be balanced with strategic partnerships, as militarily distant regions still need to invest in their near abroad.
Singapore, a key ASEAN member, advocates for an open and inclusive region, stressing that countries can maintain overlapping circles of friends while cooperating on economic integration, food and energy resilience, and regional security. Lee suggested three avenues for Australia to deepen its engagement with Asia: expanding economic ties, strengthening defense and security partnerships, and nurturing people-to-people connections.
With ASEAN being the world's fifth-largest economy and its investment footprint in the region still modest, Australia could grow its role in sectors like critical minerals, agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital technology, he said. By investing more in Southeast Asia, Australia could enhance its competitiveness and supply chains.
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