Australian PM backs patrols in disputed sea

MALCOLM TURNBULL, Australia’s prime minister, has asserted his country’s right to conduct patrols in the South China Sea after reports of a confrontation with China amid rising tensions in the disputed waters.

China’s navy was said to have been involved in a “robust” but polite confrontation with three Australian warships in the strategically important sea, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Speaking in London, Mr Turnbull told reporters: “We maintain and practise the right of freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the world and, in this context, we’re talking about naval vessels on the world’s oceans, including the South China Sea, as is our perfect right in accordance with international law.”