Australia news live: Wong heads to Japan, China and South Korea to secure fuel supply; new ADF armoured vehicles ordered
TL;DR
Penny Wong is traveling to Japan, China, and South Korea to secure Australia's fuel and energy supply chains amid ongoing global disruptions. The government claims Australia has more fuel now than before the Iran war, but Wong aims to ensure continued supply.
Key points
- Penny Wong is traveling to Japan, China, and South Korea.
- The goal is to secure Australia's fuel and energy supply chains.
- Australia reportedly has more fuel now than before the Iran war.
- Global energy markets are disrupted by the Middle East conflict.
- Direct engagement with regional partners is being prioritized.
Mentioned in this story
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will travel to Japan today as part of another diplomatic tour to secure Australia’s fuel and energy supply chains.
The government has said Australia has more fuel now than before the Iran war, after underwriting several additional shipments, but Wong is on her way across Asia to make sure the supplies keep coming.
Wong will travel to China on Wednesday and Korea on Thursday, and said Australia will “continue working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need – including diesel, petrol and fertiliser – and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner”.
double quotation markThe Middle East conflict and closure of the strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy markets, with Asian refineries and the Indo-Pacific region disproportionately affected. Direct, in-person engagement with counterparts across our region will help ensure we are coordinating effectively as these disruptions continue to unfold.
Earlier this month Wong travelled to Singapore, after the PM, who also visited Malaysia and Brunei.
Good morning, Nick Visser here to guide you through the day’s news. Here’s what’s on deck:
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, will travel to Japan today, part of a diplomatic trip to secure fuel supplies that will also include visits to China and South Korea. She said the effort will help “ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner”.
The government will spend three-quarters of a billion dollars on 268 new armoured vehicles over the next seven years, which will be built in regional Victoria. Defence minister Richard Marles also announced $450m in funding upgrades towards protected mobility vehicles.
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Q&A
What is Penny Wong's purpose for visiting Japan, China, and South Korea?
Penny Wong is visiting these countries to secure Australia's fuel and energy supply chains amid global disruptions.
How has Australia's fuel supply changed since the Iran war?
The Australian government states that the country has more fuel now than before the Iran war, thanks to additional shipments.
What impact is the Middle East conflict having on global energy markets?
The Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global energy markets, particularly affecting Asian refineries and the Indo-Pacific region.
