Fiji, Dec. 18 -- Australia's top diplomat says Australian diplomacy is being reshaped to meet a more dangerous and complex world, with a sharper focus on the Indo-Pacific, strong partnerships and defending a rules-based order.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary (DFAT), Jan Adams outlined the approach in the Sir John Quick Lecture in Bendigo, saying Australia's engagement with the world starts with its values.

"Australia's engagement with the world begins with who we are. Our values shape our interests, and those interests shape our diplomacy."

Adams said Australian diplomacy has long been defined by three core principles.

"Being principled, knowing who we are, what we value, and what we want; being agile and clear-eyed,...