PEARLS AND IRRITATIONS JOURNAL

APLN member Marianne Hanson writes on Indonesia’s decision to ratify the TPNW, arguing that Australia would be more in sync with its region by signing the treaty.

Today, nine of the ten ASEAN members have signed or ratified the TPNW (as has ASEAN observer Timor-Leste), but Indonesia’s ratification is especially important because it signals a clear commitment by one of the world’s largest states to work towards the global elimination of these weapons.

Even the Philippines, another prominent ASEAN member and a US ally which has recently increased its security collaboration with the US has ratified the TPNW and vows to stay clear of any involvement in nuclear weapons.

All this suggests that Canberra should be paying more attention to the security wishes of its near neighbours. ASEAN and South Pacific states are deeply aware of the need to eliminate the catastrophic dangers that come with nuclear weapons.

As the Philippines (and other examples) have shown, Australia can, if it wishes, remain an ally of the US and join the TPNW. It will have to renounce its (self-assumed) policy of being under the US nuclear umbrella and it will need substantially to amend the secretive Joint Facilities in Pine Gap and elsewhere – but it’s time that we did these things anyway.

It is quite possible for us to revert to conventional weapons deterrence and maintain a reasonable defence capability. We should re-prioritise diplomacy and dialogue rather than rely on weapons which risk destroying humanity, other species and possibly our entire environment.

It is time we asked ourselves: where does our future lie? Is it with allies like the United States and others who clearly have no qualms about violating international law in a profound way, viz their complicity in an ongoing genocide? (As for China, its actions in its immediate arena might be troubling, but its rise does not pose a direct military threat to Australia, unless we were to join in a US war against Beijing).

By signing the TPNW, Australia will be on the right side of history and be more in sync with its region. Indonesia and other Asia-Pacific neighbours are showing the way. It’s time to work towards a peaceful and prosperous future with them, not a future blighted by the danger of nuclear annihilation.

Read the full article here.

Image: ICAN