Lowy Institute Australia's Southeast Asia blind spot with Michael Wesley
Mar 18, 2026
Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne and author on Australia–Southeast Asia ties, talks about why Australia overlooks Southeast Asia and what that costs. He explores Southeast Asian views of US power, China’s push for regional deference, the risks if China gains influence, Indonesia’s rise, and how Australia can rebuild expertise and diplomatic reach.
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US Sees Southeast Asia As Strategic Backwater
- Southeast Asia is often treated by the US as a strategic backwater because US strategic focus and bases are concentrated in Northeast Asia.
- Michael Wesley links this to historical US priorities and recent perceptions that US commitment in Southeast Asia has declined since Vietnam and the war on terror.
China Views Southeast Asia As Strategic Hinterland
- China treats Southeast Asia as a hinterland tied to centuries of migration, tribute relations and trade, and fears vulnerabilities near its borders.
- Wesley argues rising powers feel more vulnerable and seek nearby zones of influence to secure energy routes and buffer zones.
China Wants A Zone Of Deference
- China's core objective is exclusion of other powers from Southeast Asia and establishing a zone of deference, not necessarily direct control of every domestic policy.
- Wesley says this would include expecting Southeast Asian states to decline security ties with Australia and to nod to Beijing on big decisions.