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Chinese community group defends its call on Aussi gov't to tread carefully regarding South China Sea issue

Xinhua, April 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

A Chinese community group in Australia on Tuesday defended its call on the Federal Government to "support peace" on issues regarding the South China Sea.

The Australian Action Committee for Peace and Justice said on Tuesday that its advice, which was made before Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's first official visit to China in mid April, is based on the judgment of maintaining peace and justice, and desire for a healthy relationship between China and Australia.

"We do not hope Australia makes a wrong decision to 'choose a side' without understanding the complicated historical and cultural relationships and emotions that are involved in that area," the group said in a statement sent to Xinhua on Tuesday.

The group made the statement after some local media reports saying the group only did that for their own business interests.

The group highlighted the need for the Australian government to avoid being unnecessarily involved in the competition between big countries in the area and ultimately harm the benefits of its people, among them Chinese Australians as a result.

"We believe that the Australian political figures should support the peace in that area to maintain Australia's international influence, and strive for the maximum benefits for Australia," they added.

"In conclusion, we think that a friendly China-Australia relationship is good for peoples of both countries, and it is where the maximum benefits of overseas Chinese lies in."

Turnbull said he discussed issues surrounding the South China Sea whilst in China with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and called on all claimants in the disputed region to settle their disputes peacefully.

"The remarkable economic gains in this region, by every country, including our own and of course including China, has been based on a foundation of peace and stability. And anything which has the potential of disturbing that peace and stability works against the interests of all nations," said Turnbull.

He noted China understood Australia's position on the matter.

"They understand our commitment to a peaceful and stable region and that is why we continue, as I said, to urge all claimants to settle any territorial disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law." Endit