It's the region

To be even handed that squeamishness might extend to Malaysia with its corrupt political system and Indonesia as it buckles to Islamic extremism. As flawed as some of our neighbours may be, that should not over ride our national self interest, nor allow us to overlook our own poor human rights record with respect to asylum seekers and corruption within our own major institutions.

What is proposed in this article is a permanent Australian patrolling presence in the region to be undertaken in conjunction with Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino and Singaporean naval assets and rotational home porting in those countries. Greater and more aggressive naval patrols should aim to deter the flow of arms and fighters between the targeted countries.

By engaging in regional maritime security Australia would also be signalling a broader and deeper interest in the region - no bad thing in the absence of US leadership.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, along with other world leaders are due to attend a summit of ASEAN leaders in Manila in November. On present form if Trump attends he will be a figure with form and without substance, an embarresment. The chances are he will not attend. Under the circumstances Australia should be seeking to raise its profile with ASEAN and within the region.