Foreign Minister Penny Wong has issued a stark warning about the possibility of conflict in our region, saying it would be “devastating to our communities and economies”, likening it to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Speaking at the ASEAN-Australia special summit in Melbourne yesterday, Wong said Southeast Asian nations are dealing with “destabilising, provocative and coercive actions” including “militarisation of disputed features”. Wong didn’t name names, but umm hello it’s been interpreted as a dig at China given it’s engaged in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Wong made the comments as she announced over $280 million in funding to boost maritime security and protection. And today, PM Anthony Albanese will pledge $2 billion for Aussie companies to promote green energy and building projects in the region.