Australia Concerned about Destabilizing Behavior in South China Sea
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Australia is very concerned about unsafe and destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday, a day after clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waters.
Manila said Philippine vessels carrying out "a routine mission" to the Second Thomas Shoal were "harassed (and) blocked" by Chinese maritime militia and coast guard ships on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
Asked about the encounter on the final day of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Melbourne, Albanese said the behavior was dangerous and risked miscalculations that could lead to further escalation.
"I am very concerned and Australia is concerned about any unsafe and destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea," Albanese said.
