The foreign minister has warned Australia faces significant disruption in international relations despite improving ties in the region.

In a speech to the Australian Institute of International Affairs on Monday, Penny Wong said vast steps had been made to bolster relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific, citing multiple treaties being signed with allies like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Yet difficulties persist and Australia must remain vigilant.

"We have advanced every relationship we have in our region. But that doesn't mean that our strategic environment is getting any easier," she said in the address.

"The change in the regional landscape is permanent. The disruption - the contest - is permanent.

"With so much activity and contest, things may not go Australia's way every ti

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