Penny Wong

Enrique Manalo's comments were delivered on the first day of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne.

Canberra and New Delhi look at each other as vital partners playing critical roles in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 

As with U.S.-Philippine ties, relations between Canberra and Manila have advanced rapidly since President Rodrigo Duterte left office.

The move would help advance several core areas of cooperation in the burgeoning bilateral relationship.

In recent months, the Albanese government has been selective about where, when, and how it raises the country's troubles.

Australia needs all the tools of statecraft it can muster, especially diplomacy.

Despite the current détente, five major issues may place further strain on the Australia-China relationship next year.

Minister Penny Wong's trip is raising hopes for progress on issues ranging from trade restrictions to detained Australians.

With the election of a new Australian government, the chance to elevate ties between Hanoi and Canberra to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership is within reach.

Penny Wong's trip is her second to Southeast Asia in the month since she took up the foreign affairs portfolio.

After a whirlwind of visits and agreements, where does the Pacific region stand?