"The deployment of high-quality humanitarian assistance in the wake of natural disasters is a clear demonstration of our commitments and relevance to our Pacific partners," DFAT said. Loading More broadly, it warned that in Asia, the benefits of growing economies had not been shared equitably. "Increasing illiberalism, including rising human rights abuses, democratic backsliding and closing space for civil society risk impacting on the prosperity and stability of states in the region," the briefing said, without identifying specific countries. The briefings were delivered to the government two months after protests in Hong Kong began over an extradition bill that could have seen its citizens tried in mainland China for alleged crimes committed in the territory. The protests entered their 242nd day on Monday. Senator Payne has taken an increasingly assertive stance on Hong Kong and human rights issues in China in the months since.

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer on Tuesday urged Australia to be more "self-confident" in its dealings with Beijing, saying other countries should not try to "bully" Australia and noting China was heavily dependent on Australia for raw materials. "China needs to remember that this is a relationship of mutual benefit," he told the National Press Club. "We need to be more self-confident, if I could put it that way. We're not going to kow-tow, to use that Chinese expression, to anybody. Not to anybody. And not to China." We're not going to kow-tow, to use that Chinese expression, to anybody. Not to anybody. And not to China. Former foreign minister Alexander Downer Senator Birmingham's trade briefing urged the Morrison government to defend the rules-based trade order. It found 1 in 5 Australian jobs across exports, mining and services were directly related to trade. Over the past 30 years, the real income of Australian families had lifted by more than $8000 due to trade liberalisation, highlighting the risks of any worsening of the $US300 billion trade conflict between the US and China.

"Our economic prosperity is built on open trade and investment and ensuring we remain internationally competitive," the briefing said. James Choi, Australia's ambassador to South Korea. Credit:Eryk Bagshaw The release of the documents comes as a high-level delegation from South Korea arrives in Sydney for the 40th Australia-Korea Business Council meeting. On Wednesday, Australia's ambassador to South Korea, James Choi, South Korea's ambassador to Australia, Baeksoon Lee, and the chair of South Koran steel giant POSCO, Jeong-Woo Choi, will urge countries to diversify their interests to protect their economies. "In a time of rising protectionist sentiment, Australia and Korea, as like-minded partners, are continuing to take a determined stand to advocate for the benefits of open and free trade," James Choi will say. Mr Lee will add the "uncertainty of the world's economy is spreading".