China Considers Maritime Talks with Australia Amidst Regional Tensions
Source: The DairyNews
China has indicated its willingness to engage in maritime discussions with Australia, a move aimed at addressing escalating tensions among nations bordering the South China Sea, according to a statement from a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday.
The announcement comes on the heels of a visit to Australia by China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, during which discussions on trade and regional security differences took place between the two countries' leaders.
Australia, China's largest trading partner, has been working to mend relations following a downturn in 2020 when Canberra called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. Beijing responded with trade barriers, most of which have been lifted since a change in Australia's government two years ago.
Maritime disputes have been a focal point of contention between China and Australia, particularly in the South China Sea, where China asserts nearly complete sovereignty despite competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations. Lin Jian, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, stated that both countries have agreed to restore and establish dialogue across various fields, including maritime issues.
Areas of potential cooperation also include diplomacy, trade, technology, education, and law enforcement, according to Jian. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concerns about unsafe behavior in the South China Sea, particularly clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels over disputed territories such as the Second Thomas Shoal.
In November, Australia condemned what it termed an "unsafe and unprofessional" naval encounter with China that resulted in injuries to Australian military divers. A joint statement released earlier this month by Australia and the ASEAN regional grouping emphasized the importance of refraining from unilateral actions in the South China Sea to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region.
Australia, China's largest trading partner, has been working to mend relations following a downturn in 2020 when Canberra called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. Beijing responded with trade barriers, most of which have been lifted since a change in Australia's government two years ago.
Maritime disputes have been a focal point of contention between China and Australia, particularly in the South China Sea, where China asserts nearly complete sovereignty despite competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations. Lin Jian, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, stated that both countries have agreed to restore and establish dialogue across various fields, including maritime issues.
Areas of potential cooperation also include diplomacy, trade, technology, education, and law enforcement, according to Jian. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concerns about unsafe behavior in the South China Sea, particularly clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels over disputed territories such as the Second Thomas Shoal.
In November, Australia condemned what it termed an "unsafe and unprofessional" naval encounter with China that resulted in injuries to Australian military divers. A joint statement released earlier this month by Australia and the ASEAN regional grouping emphasized the importance of refraining from unilateral actions in the South China Sea to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region.
