The School of Politics and International Relations last week hosted a breakfast which was addressed by American diplomat Robert Lee who shared his experiences as a Foreign Service officer around the world with budding diplomats attending the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) graduate program as well as staff and students of the school. The two-month program includes a one week course provided by the school looking at methods of turning International Relations theory into practice.

The Kennedy School of Government graduate spoke to an audience of more than 100 people and outlined a message which illustrated that, despite some advocates in Australia who say otherwise, there is no need for Australia to have to choose between having strong ties with the United States or with China.

The question, in his view, was not about who rules the Asia-Pacific, but more about what rules need to be followed so as to ensure continued prosperity and security in the Asia Pacific. It is therefore important that Australia have strong ties with both countries and continue to advocate a strong rules-based order.

Mr Lee praised his audience for choosing to work in foreign affairs, saying it was an honour to represent one’s country and explain its values and interests to others. He noted the high regard that the Australian Foreign Service is held and the role it plays in facilitating many connections that may otherwise not be possible.

Formerly posted in Washington, China, Greece, and Turkey, Mr Lee said America’s foreign policy has for more than a decade been involved in rebalancing its interests in the Asia Pacific, including by boosting its diplomatic and defence presence in the region.

He said America’s role in the region was based on three pillars: building regional diplomatic institutions such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the East Asia Summit; engaging with rising powers such as India and China, and deepening ties with allies such as Australia and Japan.

ANU international relations students and serving diplomats from Australia and abroad asked many questions on topics including trade policy, Australia’s reputation overseas and who should set international rules and standards.

Mr Lee said there was strength in numbers, especially in diplomacy, and recalled an example when he was serving in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

The US Consulate-General there had established relationships with the city’s civil society groups and involved Chinese, Australian and British diplomats.

Through involving everyone they were able to show the Chinese government that the initiative was not aimed at undermining their authority, and that civil society groups make society work better by improving governance.

One of the DFAT graduates undertaking the graduate program is Dominic Sofe, a senior officer with the Samoan foreign ministry. After the address he said about the course:

“The content is really nice and is a refresher after being out of university since 2012,” Mr Sofe said.

“The discussions are informative and brief at the same time.

“I make sure I am always thinking about what is being discussed and how I can apply it.”