Australia is not ruling out stepping up joint patrols of the South China Sea following "destabilising" missile testing in the region, Australian Associated Press reports. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, was asked last night about the potential of more regular regional sea patrols in tandem with the United States and Japan, following China's launching of nuclear-capable missiles.
"The maritime zone is critical to stability in the region so, when we have a conversation about the South China Sea, that is something I'm sure we should all keep in mind," she told reporters in Manila where she is attending the Asean foreign ministers' meeting.
"We are concerned about some of the aggression we are seeing, we are concerned about some of the destabilising conduct we are seeing, and the countries of the region have a choice to make about how we all respond to that."
Penny Wong met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the talks on Tuesday evening to highlight her concerns.
"You speak about the importance of mutual understanding," she said.
"I agree, and I expect we will discuss our concerns ... including around peace and stability in our region, safe and professional military conduct, and the importance of transparency and reassurance of intent."
China's foreign ministry hit back at Wong's comments, saying Australia was not party to the South China Sea issue and had no right to intervene.
"China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up tension and inciting confrontation," spokesman Lin Jian told a regular briefing in Beijing.
It came as Wong prepared to warn China in a speech today that Australia would not be bullied by Beijing as it builds up its military strength.