Foreign Minister Marise Payne will conduct a major visit to South-East Asia in the coming days in aims of easing fears over Australia’s nuclear submarine program, and to build a partnership with the peak regional body Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Senator Payne’s visit includes countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, who have strongly criticised Australia’s plan to build nuclear powered submarines under the technology pact with the US and UK.
It was believed concerns arose late last week when PM Scott Morrison met with Indonesia’s president, who feared the program could fuel an arms race in South-East Asia.