Australia condemns China's 'coercive' actions in the East Sea

The Australian government on August 2 officially voiced its opposition to China's recent actions in the East Sea, including China's obstruction of Vietnam's oil and gas exploitation activities.

In a joint statement issued on the evening of August 2 in the Thai capital Bangkok, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne called on China to end its unilateral “coercive” actions in the East Sea.

The statement said the US, Japan and Australia expressed concern about China's deployment of advanced missile systems in the South China Sea and credible reports of China's interference with Vietnam's long-standing oil and gas exploration projects. The three foreign ministers vowed to strengthen their partnership to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and work more closely with Pacific island nations to enhance security, while emphasizing the joint efforts of the US, Japan and Australia to promote stability in Southeast Asia through cooperation in the maritime and security fields.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed that the joint statement demonstrates the strong commitment of the US, Japan and Australia to openness and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the plan, the annual Australia-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting, known as Ausmin, will be held in Sydney from August 3-5. The expected contents discussed by US and Australian officials include recent negative developments in the East Sea and China's actions, the possibility of Australia participating in Operation Sentinel initiated by the US to ensure maritime security for ships moving in the Persian Gulf, and issues related to cybersecurity./.