Australia has raised concerns over what it described as “destabilizing and risky” behavior in the region, citing China’s recent ballistic missile test and the reported assault on a Philippine Navy personnel near Ayungin Shoal.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she discussed the concerns during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Pasay City on Wednesday.
“We have made clear publicly and directly to China that we regard the missile test as destabilizing,” Wong told reporters.
She also cited the recent incident near Ayungin Shoal, where a Philippine Navy member sustained a head injury after being struck with a wooden baton by Chinese Coast Guard personnel.
“More broadly, on the South China Sea, I have made public comments about the incident involving the members of the Philippines’ Navy and the Chinese personnel. We have said we have real concerns about behavior that is destabilizing and risky,” she said.
Wong said Australia would continue pushing for a region where all countries, including major powers, respect international law.
She also said ASEAN has the diplomatic influence and regional reach to help address recurring incidents in the South China Sea and other security concerns.
“ASEAN has, by virtue of its history, its place in the region, it has the power to set expectations, to engage in diplomacy, to express its view about activities,” Wong said.
She urged countries in the region to collectively promote adherence to international law and safe and professional conduct at sea and in the air.
“(We) know that peace and stability can only be achieved if we work for it. We are concerned about some of the aggression we are seeing. We are concerned about some of the destabilizing conduct we are seeing. And the countries of the region have a choice to make about how we all respond to that,” she added.
The Australian foreign minister said Canberra would continue to support efforts to maintain regional peace and stability amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
