TRANSCRIPT
Anna Henderson 0:00
We have heard a number of ASEAN nations now condemn China over the release of the 10 dash line map. What is your view of China's decision, and the paperwork that has now been made public
Penny Wong 0:11
Australia’s position in relation to the Law of the Sea is clear we support the 2016 tribunal decision. Whilst we're not a claimant state in the South China Sea, we have a very strong commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the rights responsibilities and boundaries in relation to people's maritime claims. The reason we are supportive of this is we believe that rules and norms matter, and particularly as a middle power for us, We want a world in which all nations observe the rules and norms which have been agreed.
Anna Henderson 0:52
If there is a meeting between Premier Li and Prime Minister Albanese, do you think that that issue should be raised?
Penny Wong 0:58
I'll leave it to the Prime Minister to talk about what he's doing. But what in terms of his programme, but I would say this Australia's position on South China Sea and on the preservation of international law and norms is clear. And the reason is, they contribute to stability. So this is a principal position towards a pragmatic decision that if we all want peace, stability and prosperity, then respecting international arrangements is critical to that.
Anna Henderson 1:27
What preconditions would Australia be asking for from China in relation to Cheng Lei, in order for Australia to conduct a prime ministerial visit?
Penny Wong 1:39
Look, I don't think it's a smart thing in international relations to establish hard preconditions publicly what I would say is this, in relation to Ms. Cheng Lei and Dr. Yang, we remain concerned about their ongoing detention, we have put our view very clearly, on behalf of the Australian people that we would like to see Ms. Cheng Lei, and Dr. Yang reunited with their families, in relation to a visit the Prime Minister has made it clear, he does wish to visit. I've said publicly, we would want the most positive circumstances for such a visit. I would also make this point, the government has said to the Australian people. China is a very important country, in our region in the world. We want to continue to engage We will cooperate where we can, we will disagree where we must. And we will engage in our national interest.
Anna Henderson 2:33
So to pick up on a particular point that was made today in the press conference around Qatar. So you had a phone call with the leader of Qatar earlier this week. Why wasn't the Qatar Airways issue raised given it is the elephant in the room.
Penny Wong 2:48
With respect, it may be an issue of focus here in Australia or sorry, I'm in Indonesia, it may be with respect, it may be an issue of focus in domestic politics in Australia, because the opposition and those with commercial interests are very interested in that. But there are other bilateral issues in the relationship which are important and do need to be engaged about obviously, one of the issues that has been reality was the events of in the at the airport that were very distressing to many Australians. So obviously, as I said that was discussed as were a number of other bilateral issues.
Anna Henderson 3:27
In hindsight, should Australia have taken a different approach with Qatar Airways
Penny Wong 3:31
Minister King has made a judgement about what is in the national interest. And I appreciate there are those who, for political or commercial reasons have a different view. But she is the decision maker makes such a decision just as coalition ministers have made decisions before about which airline arrangements are in the national interest.
Anna Henderson 3:54
Minister, we thank you for your time.
Penny Wong 3:56
Good to be with you.
