Australia, US discuss challenges of power shifts

AUSTRALIA is facing its most challenging strategic circumstances since the postWWII era amid increasing tensions in the Persian Gulf, says Opposition Defence spokesman Richard Marles.

Australia is considering a “serious” request from the United States to help protect oil shipments against Iranian interference in the Persian Gulf.

At their annual AustraliaUS Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) talks in Sydney, the Defence and Foreign ministers of both countries met for discussions that spanned tensions with China over the South China Sea and a possible role for Australia in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr Marles joined Labor leader Anthony Albanese and foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong in meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell and US Ambassador to Australia Arthur Culvahouse.

Mr Marles said it was vital Australia provided leadership within the Alliance on engagement with the Pacific.

“I think in a world where we have a rising China, which in many ways is a good thing for our economy, it is a world where there is competition between the major great powers being China and the United States,” he said.

“That gives rise to a set of circumstances which are pretty challenging for Australia.

“The answers are not clear and we need to develop the leadership side of our international personality so we are in the best position possible to shape the circumstances that we find ourself in.

“This year’s AUSMIN comes at a pretty critical time.

“America is one of Australia’s closest friends and staunchest allies.”

The US has been trying to convince allies to join an international coalition to protect shipping routes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s seizure of a Britishflagged oil tanker.

Mr Marles would not be drawn on whether he supported such a move without knowing the exact details of the American request.

“The Government haven’t made clear the exact form of the request from the United States in relation to this,” he said.

“But clearly freedom of navigation are issues that are of importance to Australia as an island trading nation.”