BEIJING (Reuters) – China is considering launching talks on maritime affairs with Australia, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, as increased tension among several nations bordering the South China Sea threatens regional security.
Maritime issues have been a hot-button topic between China and Australia amid growing confrontations in the vital economic waterway that China claims almost in its entirety, despite overlapping claims by many Southeast Asian nations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on the final day of a visit to Australia, during which he has met his counterpart and other leaders to discuss trade issues and differences over regional security.
“Both sides agreed to restore and establish dialogue in various fields,” said Lin Jian, the spokesperson, in response to a query on the visit, adding that both are also considering launching talks on maritime issues.
Other areas in which both will look to promote co-operation include diplomacy, trade, technology, education and law enforcement, he added.
Australia is very concerned about unsafe and destabilising behaviour in the South China Sea, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said, amid clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waters.
The two have had altercations over disputed atolls, most notably the Second Thomas Shoal.
In November, Australia also criticised China for an “unsafe and unprofessional” naval interaction between their vessels that injured Australian military divers.
In a joint statement this month, Australia and the ASEAN regional grouping said all countries should refrain from unilateral action in the South China Sea that endanger peace, security and stability in the disputed area.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, angering neighbouring countries, which dispute some boundaries they say cut into their exclusive economic zones.
(Reporting by Laurie Chen; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
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