BLUF

Growing unease about China's influence in Southeast Asia is pushing regional countries towards deeper cooperation with Australia—fostering stronger economic, political, and defence ties.

Summary

  1. Countries seek partnerships to balance China's presence.
  2.  Malaysia and Indonesia desire more defence cooperation.
  3. Cambodia's new leadership is engaging with Australia. 
  4. Southeast Asian countries are not abandoning ties with China. 
  5. Strategic cooperation is driven by regional anxieties.
READ: China’s Rise in Southeast Asia is Bringing in a Golden Age for Australia.

References

Media Check:  the Interpreter-Media Bias Fact Check  (HIGH CREDIBILITY)    
COLLECTIONS /The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC