China has cautioned that a minor military skirmish could turn into a larger one and sour relations and has asked Australia to inform Beijing of any navy movements in the disputed South and East China Seas.
The use of sonar by a Chinese warship during an incident with an Australian navy vessel in Japanese waters last week resulted in injuries to a military diver, according to Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Under growing strain over a disputed shoal, Beijing and Manila launched joint patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday, with the Philippines using the same Australian ship, Toowoomba.
Liu Jianchao, the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international department, said during a speech in Sydney on Tuesday that the sonar incident occurred in waters that are the subject of a dispute between China and Japan. He also questioned why the Australian navy was present.
Denouncing that China had injured Australian navy personnel, Liu demanded “any kind of pre-consultations or notification” to avoid miscommunications between the two armed forces. He referred to public sentiment when he said, “Such small incidents could escalate if it’s not properly managed.” At a gathering organized by the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney, he was answering questions.
According to Liu, Australia’s navy ships’ presence in the South China Sea seemed to be a protest of China’s policies there. “The reason why the Australian naval ships were there was really to contain China – so that is the message that we have been getting,” he stated.
He advised Australia’s armed forces and government to “act with great prudence in this area.” Australia has previously declared that, in compliance with international law, it respects every state’s right to exercise its freedom of navigation and overflight. The South China Sea is a major trading route for two-thirds of Australian goods.
Following efforts by both parties to stabilize the relationship, Australian leader Albanese visited China this month for the first time in seven years.
Liu expressed his hope that Australia would reconsider its national security-based screening process for Chinese investments.
The Foreign Investment Review Board has blocked two Chinese investments in rare earths this year, and Australia has asked the US to increase its investment in the industry.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Sargam Parashar comes from an Army background and has been privileged to experience the diversity of India. She loves travelling, photography, fine arts, dancing, playing musical instruments, reading, writing, etc. Sargam is a keen learner and looks forward to trying new things. She aspires to build a career in Journalism.
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