Australia’s offer to fund Asean security must be met with extreme caution
This view is not uncommon. For example, while 43 per cent believe conflict over Taiwan would destabilise the region, about a third also fear their countries being forced to take sides over it and feel their governments should take a neutral position, according to a survey last year of more than 1,300 people across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Over 45 per cent say their governments should oppose the use of force and reach for diplomacy instead.