AUSTRALIA has renewed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific at the Quad foreign ministers meeting in India.
Foreign minister Penny Wong, along with her counterparts from India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, met in New Delhi on 26 May and issued a joint statement which expressed concerns about the instability around the world.
“Developments in key maritime regions have underscored the vulnerability of critical sea lanes and the risks posed to the uninterrupted flow of commerce,” the statement said.
“These challenges carry significant implications for the Indo-Pacific, which remains central to global trade and connectivity.
“Disruptions to maritime transport and supply chains have far-reaching consequences for global fuel, food and fertiliser security as well as the safety of seafarers.”
The statement said that as well as great challenges there were also unprecedented opportunities.
It went on to say the Quad will work, in coordination with the government of Fiji, to advance port infrastructure and associated activities in that country.
It also recognized the importance of undersea cable systems which its said are the backbone of the global digital economy and essential to secure, reliable, and resilient connectivity across the Indo-Pacific.
It said there was a need to protect undersea cable networks from risks, including threats and sabotage, through closer coordination and information sharing.
“In this regard, Quad partners have provided tangible support to ensure that all Pacific Island Forum countries are connected via undersea cables by 2026 to secure their digital futures.”
The situation in the Middle East and West Asia was discussed and urged ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting peace in the region.
“We reiterate the importance of adhering to international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with respect to navigational rights and freedoms, and the safety and uninterrupted flow of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
“We condemn the attacks on commercial shipping vessels and oppose any future measures that are inconsistent with UNCLOS, including imposition of tolls."