PROGRESS 2050: Toward a prosperous future for all Australians
Countries that share common values and strategic interests are working together to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Shingo Yamagami told CEDA’s State of the Nation conference.
24/06/2021
In response to a question on dealing with complex regional issues and his approach to China, Ambassador Yamagami told a panel discussion on Australia and Asia that Japan “would like to see the rule of law prevail in this region”.
“Whenever we have disputes we don’t resort to unilateral arbitrary measures. We should do our best to solve these disputes in accordance with international laws and norms,” he said.
“By joining voices together we would like to include as many countries as possible in the network of laws and norms.
“Of course we have to be careful not to escalate tensions on our part, but when push comes to shove you will know who is your real friend – this is the kind of moment that Australia needs real friends and Japan is hereby standing with Australia.”
Ambassador Yamagami was joined on the panel by the High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Manpreet Vohra, who also voiced concerns about the “disquiet” caused by recent events in the region.
“In a sense much of Asia until a few short years ago was living in a world where the rise of one particular country, the economic rise particularly, was being managed and accepted quite well,” he said.
“It is only in recent years where certain actions and behaviours have led to a certain disquiet.
“We in India have also faced some inexplicable aggressive actions, particularly last year at our borders, at a time when otherwise things were going well.
To suddenly face inexplicably aggression or attempted coercion has led to a lot of disquiet.”
“I think it is quite natural in this scenario for likeminded countries of this region…to come together and offer an alternative model to the region.”
The panel discussion also included Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Y Kristiarto S Legowo, who noted that the global pandemic should be an occasion to “enhance cooperation” between major powers.
“This is a challenge we have to deal with together because no single country could address this challenge alone and no single country will be safe until every country is safe,” he said.
“This is the time to put aside our political differences and work together – hopefully the habit of collaboration will continue after this trying time.”
It was a bad day for the European Union (EU) when UK Prime Minister Theresa May signed the Article 50 letter and Britain left, said Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency the Honourable Alexander Downer AC.
Read more International affairs May 10, 2016When you take a step back and actually have a look at what’s happening in the world, and you see what parts of the world are growing and what parts of the world are doing it tough, we are without doubt in the most vibrant part of the world, Northern Territory Treasurer, the Hon. Dave Tollner has told as CEDA audience in Darwin at the Economic and Political Overview.
Read more International affairs May 4, 2015The Abbott Government is committed to capitalising on business opportunities in the Indo Pacific region following the signing of free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Steven Ciobo has told a CEDA audience in Brisbane.
Read more