Penny Wong’s message to Asian nations on NATO

Penny Wong says the government maintains that ASEAN is the centre of the Indo-Pacific region. (EPA PHOTO)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has placed Asian nations at the forefront of security in the Indo-Pacific, as NATO considers expanding its presence in the region.

The military alliance proposed opening a liaison office in Japan's capital Tokyo, in a bid to deepen cooperation with partners in the region. 

But the proposal was strongly opposed by China.

Senator Wong is in Jakarta for the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.

Asked if Australia backed NATO's expansion, Senator Wong said the government maintained "ASEAN as the centre of the region".

"ASEAN centrality within the Indo-Pacific is so critical to peace and prosperity and stability," she told the ABC's 7.30 on Thursday.

Australia's decision to provide a further 30 Bushmaster vehicles has been welcomed by Ukraine's ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has returned to Australia from the NATO summit in Lithuania, where he told Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy about the decision to provide the vehicles.

Mr Myroshnychenko said the vehicles were the "heroes of the war", adding he hoped to bring a veteran to Australia to share stories of how they were making a difference.

"They are tough, versatile, agile and they are saving lives," he told Seven News.

Despite no decision being made at the summit to allow Ukraine to join NATO, Mr Myroshnychenko said closer ties were being formed with like-minded nations.

Mr Albanese said he wasn't going to criticise the Ukrainians for asking for more military support. 

"They would always like more, they're in a war for their survival as a sovereign state," he told 6PR radio on Thursday.

"We are providing support that we think is appropriate and that is needed."

The package builds on Australia's previous commitment of 90 Bushmasters, taking the total number to 120.

Australia has provided more than $710 million in military aid, with overall support reaching $890 million.

Mr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude after meeting with Mr Albanese.

"Thank you! A powerful new defence package, including 30 Bushmasters," he wrote on the Telegram app.

Senior Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik told Nine News it was a "huge deal".

"The Bushmasters we received previously were used by our forces to liberate Kherson and our eastern territories," she said.

"From what I have spoken with our military commanders, they were absolutely thrilled that we will receive more of those, and they have proven to be incredibly effective."

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said it was disappointing the prime minister waited for a photo opportunity to announce the decision, which should have been made months ago.

"While this decision has bipartisan support, once again Labor has been slow to act," he said.

"These vehicles must be sent to Ukraine as quickly as possible."

Australia this week announced a further step in its support for Ukraine - the deployment of an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to protect the flow of assistance.

NATO members invited Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea to provide insight into broader security challenges, such as China's military expansion.

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