A Case for Enhancing the Franco-Australian Alliance in the Indo-Pacific

In a contested Indo-Pacific region with a rising andassertive Chinamilitarily and economically, Australia must look beyond the USas the sole guarantor of its security. Australia realises the importance of maintaining the US–Australiaalliance, but it must also seek other like-minded nations to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. The potential development of an enhanced Franco-Australian partnershipin the Indo-Pacific presents a promising alliance against the backdrop of heightened US-China rivalry, concerns over maritime security, challenges to sovereignty and economic prosperity. Australia, as a small to medium nation in the South Pacific, must develop and expand its geostrategic partnerships. As Australia seeks to grow, expand or reinforce existing partnerships within a contested and competitive environment, the potential benefits of an enhanced Franco-Australian alliance in the Indo-Pacific are significant andworthy of carefulconsideration.