AUSTRALIAN warships were confronted by the Chinese navy as the vessels passed through the disputed South China Sea. The Chinese navy was conducting military exercises when they sent the Australian ships a “robust” response, defence sources said.
Australia’s HMAS Anzac, HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Success were challenged by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s navy as they were transiting towards Vietnam for a three-day goodwill visit.
Defence sources said the confrontation occurred while China was conducting live-fire drills along its southeast coastline – where expert have feared World War 3 could break out.
Beijing’s hostility in the South China Sea has been growing with recent satellite images showing it has been aggressively investing into upgrading infrastructures and deploying resources in the region’s disputed islands.
The Australian Prime Minister has blasted any attempt by the Chinese to interfere with Australia’s right to travel through the South China Sea. “in accordance with international law”.
Malcolm Turnbull said: “We maintain and practice 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.”
Meanwhile an Australian Department of Defence statement added: “The Australian Defence Force has maintained a robust program of international engagement with countries in and around the South China Sea for decades.
"This includes bilateral and multilateral military exercises, port visits, maritime surveillance operations and ship transits."
Australian defence officials would not confirm whether the confrontation took place – but added three of their warships had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City for a three-day goodwill visit on Thursday.
China’s Ministry of Defence hit back at the reports, saying they “are different from the facts”.
A ministry spokesman said: "The reports from Australia are different from the facts.
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