Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (Source: afr.com)Hanoi (VNA) – Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishophas raised objections to China’s militarisation of the East Sea after reports thata Chinese bomber capable of carrying a nuclear warhead had landed in theParacel archipelago.
Bishop on May 21 held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yion the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Argentina, ABC Newsreported.
The Australian minister described the discussion as “very warmand candid and constructive” and said she would shortly visit the Chinesecapital of Beijing.
She also affirmed that Australia would “continue to approach ourbilateral relationship with goodwill and realism and pragmatism and opencommunication”.
While the meeting in Argentina was obviously intended to achievea diplomatic thaw, Bishop confirmed she had raised objections about China’sactivities in the East Sea.
Australia’sposition has been very clear and consistent and it is very well known to China,she said, adding that Canberra’s concern about militarisation of disputedfeatures in the East Sea has been the subject of a number of discussions.
Bishopalso discussed the East Sea issue with the US at the G20 meeting. She saidAustralia would continue to exercise its rights to freedom of navigation andoverflight “and support the rights of others to do so” – and had conveyed thatposition to China.-VNA
VNA
