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Australia not to join U.S. operation in South China Sea: FM

Xinhua, October 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia has not been asked to join the United States in sailing warships near Chinese islands in the South China Sea and Australia has no plan to go beyond what it is doing there now, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Thursday.

"We have not been asked to join the United States and we have no plans to do other than what we already do," Bishop told media.

She also confirmed reports that two Australian Royal Navy destroyers are now in China for a joint live fire exercise.

"Indeed, we have joint exercises with the United States Navy, we have joint exercises with the Chinese Navy so we will continue to operate in that region," Bishop said.

The Australian newspaper reported Thursday that two Australian Anzac-class frigates are in China and will conduct a live-firing exercise with China's People's Liberation Army navy.

Other cabinet members of Australia had been delivering similar remarks, clarifying Australia's stance on the issue.

Defense Minister Malise Payne said in a statement that "Australia is not involved in the current United States activity in the South China Sea".

Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos told Sky News that Australia did not have "any plans to do what the United States has done" in relation to freedom of navigation exercises.

Earlier this week, a U.S. navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Chinese islands in the South China Sea, constituting a grave challenge to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Endit