Australia

Australia ranks as the fourth-most important partner overall for Southeast Asia, though a large gap separates it from China, the United States, and Japan. Australia’s influence is most important in Timor-Leste, a result of geographic proximity and Australia’s support for the country’s independence since 2002. Elsewhere in the region, Australia’s presence is strongest in Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. It is the region’s second-most important defence cooperation partner, and sixth-ranked diplomatic partner. It ranks just ninth for cultural influence, reflecting relatively weaker information projection and people exchanges.