They are a reasonable start which build on APEC members' Uruguay Round commitments. The second key aspect of this Government's foreign policy has been the steps it has taken to improve Australia's security and the strategic environment in which we pursue our national interests. . In South East Asia, the ratification by Indonesia of the Agreement on Maintaining Security since our election reinforced the new Government's security links with Indonesia. The Government has also improved our existing regional links by developing strategic regional dialogues with countries in North East Asia, where major security challenges have the potential to impact on the region as a whole. The Government recognises the importance of engaging China.
China needs to be involved and integrated into the emerging regional security community.
It will be an increasingly significant player in the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region, and I am convinced of the benefits of working cooperatively with it. . The Government regards the United States' involvement in the region as critical to security in the Asia Pacific. Australia has sought to bolster these attempts at regional co-operation by taking important practical steps. As I made clear in my address to the UN General Assembly in September, Australia is also deeply committed to the maintenance of international peace and security through multilateral initiatives. The third key aspect of this Government's foreign policy has been to enhance Australia's broader global links.