February 18, 2024
TRENT MURRAY: Well, Senator Paterson, thank you for speaking with Channel News Asia it's great to have you in Europe. Look, I guess you could say at this conference, there's been a lot of focus on Europe, a lot of focus on the Middle East. But what are you hearing from other delegates here, the other attendees, around the situation in the Asia Pacific, Indo-Pacific, what are they telling you?
JAMES PATERSON: There's a strong recognition from delegates here, whether they're from Europe or elsewhere in the world, that the Indo-Pacific matters. It matters to Europe, it obviously matters to the Indo-Pacific. It matters to the whole world. And while everyone is understandably very concerned about and focused on Russia's unjust invasion of Ukraine, they're worried that there could be conflict in the Indo-Pacific as well. And they're very keen to do what they can to prevent it through deterrence. So I've had lots of questions this week about the way in which Australia is participating with our allies through agreements like the AUKUS agreement to help contribute to the military balance in the region and discourage any adventurism, particularly in relation to Taiwan or other potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea or the East China Sea.
MURRAY: Well, I'm glad you mentioned Taiwan and South China Sea because obviously we just heard from China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. You were there listening to that speech. What's your reaction to what he had to say?
PATERSON: Well, it was the usual message from the Chinese Communist Party, which, unfortunately, is very hard to reconcile with their actions. On the one hand, he said that China is here to be a stabilising partner, someone who contributes to peace and stability in the world. And on the other hand, China is Russia's most important economic and financial partner, without whom Vladimir Putin could not continue his war against the people of Ukraine. But China really has a choice, which is to live up to the rhetoric that it espouses when it comes and visits these conferences, cut off their aid to Russia and help bring this war to an end. Unfortunately, China is not going to be a successful mediator while it continues to support Russia and allow them to have their war. And of course, everyone can see the sabre rattling that they're doing towards the people of Taiwan and knows how threatening that is for global and regional stability, and they don't want that to happen either.
MURRAY: Again, just speaking about China, we know that there was a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart. I'd also like your reaction to that meeting. Do you think that's a positive step forward for the region?
PATERSON: Look, I think that is welcomed and important. It's when we disagree, when we have fundamental differences, that's when it's most important that we communicate, because the last thing we want is for a miscalculation to occur as a result of miscommunication. So as much bilateral engagement as possible with China and the rest of the world is important, because it's also an opportunity for China to hear from the rest of the world, how we view their malign conduct and behaviour in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world, and our expectations of them as a great power that has responsibilities that comes with that.
MURRAY: And, let me just ask you an Australia, specific question, if I could. It's been reported that the US requested, that Australia provide a warship, to Operation Prosperity Guardian, of course, that multi-nation effort to try and secure those vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Canberra has declined that request. Has that been brought up here at this conference? What is Australia's allies had to say about that decision from Canberra?
PATERSON: I have had it raised in bilateral meetings with partners around the world who are asking for an explanation as to why Australia made the decision it did. I'm trying very much to adhere to the principle that you don't criticise your own government while travelling overseas and so, I've tried to convey the Albanese government's explanation for why they did what they did. But the Opposition has been clear about this back home, which is we think it is unfortunate. We think it is an opportunity for Australia to contribute with our like minded partners to regional and global stability, because we have an interest in a stable and prosperous Red Sea. We have an interest in open sea lines of communication. It is not in our interest for the Houthis to engage in terrorism or really piracy and hold the world to ransom for their terrorist campaigns and I think they need to be consequences for the Houthis. And I'd like to see Australia participate as much as possible in ensuring that they pay the price for their behaviour.
MURRAY: Senator James Paterson, thank you for speaking with CNA.
PATERSON: My pleasure. Thank you.
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