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Australia's Asia Engagement Diminishes Amid Language Decline

12/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A parliamentary inquiry highlights declining Asia capability as a key issue for Australia’s engagement with Asia.
Despite growing Asia-led trade, security remains linked to the United States, creating a strategic imbalance.
Year 12 enrolments in key Asian languages are at their lowest in a decade.
University enrolments in Bahasa Indonesia fell 76% from 2004 to 2022.

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Story summary

A parliamentary inquiry highlights declining Asia capability as a key issue for Australia’s engagement with Asia.
Despite growing Asia-led trade, security remains linked to the United States, creating a strategic imbalance.
Year 12 enrolments in key Asian languages are at their lowest in a decade.
University enrolments in Bahasa Indonesia fell 76% from 2004 to 2022.