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Updated Monday, September 6, 2010 11:18 am TWN, By Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation (Thailand)/Asia News Network

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Without Rudd, Aussie diplomacy is rudderless

Therefore, it is imperative the incoming government continues to pursue what Rudd left behind, perhaps in part. The idea of creating a strong and comprehensive community in Asia is still valid and worth pursuing through different channels. For instance, evolving medium powers including Japan, India, South Korea, and New Zealand are pivotal for a power balancing act with heavyweight powers like the U.S. and Russia. After former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's resignation, Japan also has suffered from a similar diplomatic vacuum. Tokyo is currently contemplating on new regional strategies that would intensify cooperation in science and technologies as well as security areas.

Unlike other powers in the region, Australia has to craft carefully its diplomatic role to befit its haunting dual identities — an Asian nation or a Western country in Asia. Canberra has to constantly manifest its foreign policy independence, which serves its own national interest and the region. However, the intimate Australia-U.S. relations during the John Howard government reinforced the widespread regional perception that any diplomatic move, involving security and economic from Down Under is done on behalf of the U.S. Some ASEAN members regarded the APc with such an attitude, which turned out to be untrue.

In the early 1990's Canberra's role in the peace process in Cambodia and ideas of economic integration in Asia Pacific were good policies — they came about through the country's strong commitment, perseverance and close consultation. In addition, prior to the accession of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1976)

In 2005, Australia had to fight extreme prejudice and discrimination within ASEAN ranks. Finally, it has overcome the hurdle and demonstrated its willingness to follow the regional code of conduct and norms.

As debates continued on Rudd's new regional architecture, the ASEAN leaders were hopeful that they would be able to work together with Australia in engaging China. For the past two years, their close consultations on the future of Asia yielded a strong message that together they can constructively handle the complexities of China's rise. That helped to explain why ASEAN did not reject the APc outright.

Apart from Australia, no other country in the region, or perhaps in the world, has such extensive and cordial relations with China and the U.S. simultaneously. Australia is unique with its ability to position itself within the U.S.-China rivalry and shield from any collateral damage. That is the type of careful balance that ASEAN need.

The grouping prefers to engage the two powers and does not want to choose side. It wants to be friends to all powers — a win-win proposition.

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