OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Meeting: Economic Connectivity
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
7 July 2025
Chair, excellencies, colleagues
I thank the Permanent Representatives of Japan and Malta for raising this important issue and thank our expert speakers for their valuable insights.
Australia has long recognised our future—both security and economic—resides in the shared prosperity and resilience of the Indo-Pacific.
And we are deepening our economic partnerships, in the knowledge that regional and global economic integration provides a critical incentive for peace.
Australia will always stand up for open, rules-based trade.
We welcome Japan’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and look forward to continuing our cooperation to promote security, resilience, connectivity and prosperity in the region.
I thank the expert from the Philippines for raising the importance of the South China Sea as an essential waterway for the entire international community.
And as a crucial trading route for Australia, the Indo-Pacific and Participating States.
Australia wants to see a peaceful South China Sea where international law is adhered to, and waterways are open for trade.
It is vital all states adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—UNCLOS—which provides the foundation for peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.
Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law.
We have regularly expressed our concerns about dangerous actions in the South China Sea, including sideswiping and the use of water cannons; conduct resulting in injuries; and unsafe and unprofessional interactions with aircraft.
Australia is supporting the Philippines and other Southeast Asian partners to enhance their maritime security capabilities.
We are investing $64 million through our Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships, including to provide practical support to enhance maritime domain awareness; combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; disrupt maritime crime; uphold UNCLOS; and protect marine resources.
Australia is also supporting the implementation of the new high seas biodiversity treaty, including by co-chairing the Preparatory Commission to prepare for its entry into force. As an implementing agreement of UNCLOS, it is a landmark treaty in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
We are promoting economic growth, energy transition, and new trade and investment opportunities in our region, including through our Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Australia will also support economic connectivity and resilience by delivering $5.1 billion in Official Development Assistance in 2025–26.
Including a $1 billion, multi-year economic resilience package across the Pacific and Southeast Asia to support fiscal sustainability, economic reform, labour mobility and employment.
And a $355 million package to help Pacific and Southeast Asian communities withstand climate-related shocks.
Australia encourages Participating States to engage with the Indo-Pacific to build economic connectivity and resilience.
We know that economic resilience will be crucial to supporting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine following Russia’s brutal and illegal war.
Australia continues to strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports meaningful progress towards such a peace.
We have committed over $1.5 billion in economic, military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
And imposed a comprehensive suite of measures in response to Russia’s invasion, including over 1,500 targeted sanctions, to ensure that those who provide material support to its war will face consequences.
This includes two new rounds of sanctions in the last month targeting Russia’s defence, energy, transport and finance sectors, promulgators of disinformation, and vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Australia looks forward to further cooperation with Participating States and Partners on the issues discussed here today.
Thank you