SYDNEY: China has urged Australia to provide prior information about its navy movements in the disputed South China Sea and East China Sea.
The request comes in the aftermath of an incident involving a Chinese warship and an Australian navy vessel, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as dangerous.
Liu Jianchao, the head of the international department of the Chinese Communist Party, addressed concerns about the incident during an event in Sydney.
Liu emphasized the potential for small incidents between the two militaries to escalate and harm bilateral ties. He suggested that pre-consultations or notifications could prevent misunderstandings and urged Australia to exercise prudence in its naval activities.
The recent incident involved the Australian navy vessel Toowoomba and a Chinese warship using sonar in Japan’s waters, resulting in an injury to a military diver. Liu questioned the presence of the Australian navy in waters disputed between Japan and China and hinted at the vessel’s role in containing China’s policies in the South China Sea.
Australia, however, has maintained that it respects the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. The Toowoomba’s joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea have added to the regional tensions.
Liu’s remarks underscore the delicate nature of the Australia-China relationship, with concerns over military incidents and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia, a major player in the region, has reiterated its commitment to international law and freedom of navigation, given that a significant portion of its trade passes through the South China Sea.
As both nations work to stabilize their relationship, concerns about naval activities, national security, and investments are likely to remain key points of discussion in diplomatic engagements.
