Australia plans Chinese naval exercises after US warship sail-by | Inquirer News

Australia plans Chinese naval exercises after US warship sail-by

/ 04:03 PM October 29, 2015

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (front R) inspects the New Zealand Navy guard of honour at Government House in Auckland on 17 October 2015. Turnbull is in New Zealand to conduct bilateral talks with John Key on his first overseas trip as Australian prime minister. AFP Photo / Fiona Goodall

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (front right) inspects the New Zealand Navy guard of honour at Government House in Auckland on Oct. 17. AFP

SYDNEY, Australia—Australia said Thursday it would continue scheduled live-fire naval exercises with China, even after close ally the United States sent a warship into disputed South China Sea waters this week.

On Tuesday, Washington sent its USS Lassen destroyer within 12 nautical miles of small artificial islands in the South China Sea claimed by Beijing and vowed to send more, sparking fury in China.

Article continues after this advertisement

The disputed waters—claimed in part by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and others—have become the stage for a burgeoning tussle between the world’s two largest economic and military powers as they struggle for regional dominance.

FEATURED STORIES

Australia’s Defense Minister Marise Payne said after the incident she supported the Americans’ right to freedom of navigation under international law, but added that Canberra was not involved in the US action.

A spokesperson for Payne on Thursday said that contrary to reports, two Royal Australian Navy ships would still take part in exercises with their Chinese counterparts off the southeastern Chinese coast near the disputed Spratly Islands.

Article continues after this advertisement

“HMAS ships Stuart and Arunta will visit Zhanjiang, in Guangdong province, China, soon during their North Asia deployment,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

The exercises are expected to start in the coming days, although no precise dates were given.

Article continues after this advertisement

“There have been no changes or delays to the schedule of the HMAS Arunta and HMAS Stuart since the United States activity in the South China Sea on Oct. 27,” the spokesperson added.

The Australian Navy last conducted live-fire naval exercises with China in 2010.

Article continues after this advertisement

Australia is a key Pacific ally of the United States and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said this month after talks in Washington the two nations were “on the same page” over the issue of freedom of navigation in the seas and skies.

Recently appointed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in September China should ease off island construction in the South China Sea if it wanted a reduced US presence in the region.

RELATED STORIES

US Navy official to visit Beijing amid tension

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

PH supports US patrols in South China Sea

TAGS: Australia, China, Defense, Diplomacy, maritime

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.