The Philippine Star

Australia defends US in latest South China Sea dispute

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SYDNEY (Reuters) — Australia backed the United States yesterday in its so-called freedom of navigation operation close to a disputed reef in the South China Sea, a patrol China has denounced as an illegal threat to peace.

US guided missile destroyer the USS William P.

Lawrence traveled within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-occupied Fiery Cross Reef on Tuesday.

The operation was undertaken to challenge what a US Defense Department spokesman described as excessive maritime claims by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, which were seeking to restrict navigation rights in the South China Sea.

Australia has consistent­ly supported US-led freedom of navigation activities in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been adding land reclamatio­n to islands and reefs in waters claimed by several regional countries.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters he had reiterated that support in a phone call with US President Barack Obama yesterday.

”We ... talked about security issues in our region and confirmed our strong commitment to freedom of navigation throughout the region and the importance of any territoria­l disputes being resolved peacefully and in accordance with internatio­nal law,” Turnbull said.

China and the United States have traded accusation­s of militarizi­ng the South China Sea as China undertakes large-scale land reclamatio­n to create artificial islands and constructi­on on disputed features while the United States has increased its patrols and exercises.

Facilities on Fiery Cross Reef include a 3,000-meter runway that the United States worries China will use to press its extensive territoria­l claims at the expense of weaker rivals.

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 ?? AFP ?? Photo shows the guided missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG) transiting the Philippine Sea.
AFP Photo shows the guided missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG) transiting the Philippine Sea.

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