Fed: Hewson criticises foreign policy

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Fed: Hewson criticises foreign policy

CANBERRA, April 23 AAP - Former Liberal leader John Hewson today supported Labor'spush for firm ties with China while attacking the government for an ailing foreign policy.

Opposition Leader Simon Crean last night proposed a new agreement with China on closerpolitical, economic and social ties as the centrepoint of Labor's new foreign policy.

Mr Crean used his first major foreign policy speech since becoming leader to push fordeeper engagement with Asia.

Dr Hewson, who is the executive director of the Asia Australia Institute, said Mr Creanhighlighted the important need to re-engage with Asia.

"I think the most important thing was that he is prepared to re-engage Australia withAsia," Dr Hewson told ABC radio.

He also criticised the government for a foreign policy which excluded Australia from the region.

"And I think our greatest failing in foreign policy right now is that we are effectivelyexcluded, from all the new and emerging Asian groupings and regroupings in what they callthe emerging architecture of Asia," Dr Hewson said.

"ASEAN+3 (Association of South East Asian Nations) is the best example, it should be ASEAN+4.

"The real issue for Simon Crean or for John Howard is how do we become number four,how do we become part of that dialogue.

"And the tragedy is that we are in a position as a middle-ranking global power to actuallyplay a significant leadership role in Asia."

AAP lm/rs

KEYWORD: FOREIGN HEWSON