Fed: Ties with US give Aust regional relevance Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2000
Fed: Ties with US give Aust regional relevance Downer

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australia can keep a higher role in regional
security by maintaining its alliance with the United States.

Mr DOWNER says the US' continued presence in the East Asian region has ensured an unchanged
balance between the great powers of China, Japan and the US.

He says any changes to the relationship could lead to painful pressure points in the region.

Mr DOWNER'S comments have come at the inaugural Hasluck Asia Oration in Perth.

He says the US, through its engagement in the Western Pacific, plays a particularly
important role in balancing and containing potential rivalries.

Mr DOWNER has criticised suggestions that Australia's policy of engagement with Asia
could be pursued more effectively without ANZUS -- the Australia, New Zealand, US treaty
-- through a new regional force of middle powers to provide a counterweight to China and
Japan.

He says the problem with this arrangement is that it would weaken the role of the US
in regional affairs which would in turn destabilise the power balance of the Western Pacific.

AAP RTV dep/nf/rt

KEYWORD: REGION (CANBERRA)

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