Analysis Canberra is strengthening its dialogue within the Indo-Pacific through new investments and diplomatic agreements. Meanwhile, Beijing’s presence continues to loom over the region and its heart—the South China Sea. For the first time since its debut in 1976, Australia took part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit on Oct. 27. While there, it and unveiled a new strategic partnership, with an attached $154 million (US$115 million) cooperation package—building on an existing $500 million (US$370 million) investment announced last year. During the G20 summit on Oct. 31, shortly afterwards, Australia proceeded to engage in a similar strategic partnership with ASEAN’s most prominent nation—Indonesia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has outlined that this will mean significant bilateral engagement, ranging from the collaboration between educational institutions to developing, financing, and deploying low emissions technologies. In a joint statement alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, Morrison suggested that the Southeast …