Australia cannot distance itself from Asia<\/p>\n
The following is based on the address of Australia's Prime
\nMinister John Howard in on Aug. 22, in which he outlined his
\nforeign policy. The function in Canberra was held by the Menzies
\nResearch Center.<\/p>\n
CANBERRA: In the broadest sense, Australia's international
\nrelations shape the prosperity and security of Australians.<\/p>\n
First, the basics need to be right. Particular emphasis needs
\nto be given to the self-reinforcing links between the strength of
\nthe national economy, the effectiveness of foreign and trade
\npolicy, and capabilities of the defense force.<\/p>\n
I have already underlined the importance of a strong and
\nprosperous domestic economy able to withstand international
\npressures, to take advantage of global opportunities, and to
\nassist other nations in times of need.<\/p>\n
We also need to keep our alliances and key relationships in
\ngood order and, by doing so, have greater influence than if we
\nacted alone. We need to work to ensure that our region, the part
\nof the world that has the most direct bearing on our fortunes, is
\nas stable and prosperous as we can make it.<\/p>\n
And we need to have an armed force that has the capacity to
\ndefend us if necessary, and to act with others in support of
\nregional stability. The government has acted decisively on this
\nfront with a commitment to increase defense spending by $23
\nbillion over the coming decade. Second, we need to find the right
\nbalance in the conduct of our foreign relations between the
\nprinciples we believe in, and a pragmatic and clear-eyed defense
\nof the national interest.<\/p>\n
Our commitment to democracy, to fundamental human rights, to
\nfreedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the independence and
\nauthority of the rule of law must not be compromised. That said,
\nour relations with countries having different cultural and
\npolitical traditions, must be based on mutual respect. We will
\ngive them the same respect and acknowledgment of sovereign
\nauthority that we ask be given to us.<\/p>\n
There will be times, such as in East Timor, when we must reach
\nout to assist the vulnerable who need and deserve our assistance.
\nThe maintenance of strong bilateral relationships remains a
\ncornerstone of this government's foreign policy approach.<\/p>\n
Asia is, of course, of vital importance to us -- it lies at
\nthe forefront of our policy focus. The region has huge potential
\nand, despite recent difficulties, has taken some major strides
\ndown the path of political and economic reform.<\/p>\n
The nations of Asia matter because they are important
\npolitical partners with whom we have worked for many years to
\nbuild a more stable and secure region. They matter because of
\nwhere they are. Their proximity inextricably links their future
\nprosperity and security with ours. And they matter because of
\nwhat they are -- our largest export markets and the source of
\nmuch of our investment and imports.<\/p>\n
Closer to home, Indonesia's transition to a modern, inclusive,
\ndecentralized democracy after 30 years of autocratic and
\ncentralized rule is one of the most momentous global developments
\nsince the fall of communism. Its stability and well being are
\nvital for Australia, our region and beyond.<\/p>\n
We will give Indonesia our attention, respect and assistance.
\nHaving frankly acknowledged the inevitable political strains over
\nEast Timor, we are ready to move to a new phase in the bilateral
\nrelationship. I hosted president (Abdurrahman) Wahid's visit to
\nAustralia in June this year -- the first by an Indonesian
\npresident to Australia for more than a quarter of a century. And
\nI responded swiftly and positively to President Megawati's
\ngenerous invitation to visit Jakarta -- the first by a foreign
\nhead of government since her election.<\/p>\n
The openness and candor now being demonstrated between us
\naugers well for a future relationship based on what I have termed
\n\"positive realism\". This should not be a relationship burdened by
\nthe kinds of unrealistic expectations that featured so
\nprominently at certain times in the past. Rather it should be
\nbased on a realistic appreciation of the differences between our
\ntwo societies and cultures, but positively focused on our many
\nshared interests and on a mutual respect for each other.<\/p>",
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