New Delhi, Sept 2: In a veiled attack on China, Australian Defence Minister Kevin Andrews Wednesday strongly opposed the use of “intimidation and aggression” in the disputed South China Sea and said India’s role was critical in stability of Indian Ocean region and wider global order.
The visiting Australian Minister, who called for deeper defence ties with “key strategic partner” India, also pitched for a quadrilateral naval exercise with Japan and the US as was done in 2007. Underlining that Australia recognises India’s “critical role” in supporting the security, stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region and the stability of a wider, rules-based global order, Andrews said tensions in the Indo-Pacific persist, and in some cases are becoming more acute.
“Territorial disputes continue to risk regional stability and create uncertainty. One issue that has attracted a lot of international attention in recent months is the South China Sea. Australia has a legitimate interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” he said, delivering a lecture at Defence Ministry- run think tank IDSA.
Stressing that all states have a right under international law to freedom of overflight in international airspace, he said all countries should respect this. “Australia strongly opposes the use of intimidation, aggression or coercion to advance any country’s claims or to unilaterally alter the status quo. We are particularly concerned about the possible militarisation of features in the South China Sea,” he said.
Andrews said Australia encourages practical implementation of commitments under the Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and urged China and the ASEAN member countries to make early progress on a substantive Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
Noting that both India and Australia border the Indian Ocean, he said they have a shared interest in the maintenance of freedom of navigation and trade. “In fact, the world economy is fast becoming reliant upon Indian Ocean trade as its bulk cargo grows. Australia recognises India’s critical role in supporting the security, stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region and the stability of a wider, rules-based global order. “This is why Australia views India as a key strategic partner – and there is scope for us to cooperate further on broader global issues,” he said.
Asked if he would be in favour of a quadrilateral naval exercise as done in 2007, he said, “If indeed quadrilateral opportunities arise in the future, we would be having an inclination to be part of those exercises”. Terming such “relationship” as important, Andrews said this was something that he would discuss with his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar.
Underlining that India and Australia share history, democratic values and an interest in prosperity and security of the region, Andrews said there was potential for future.”We will both benefit from a more rules-based global order, which will drive our economic growth. Importantly, we see these opportunities to work more closely in defence to protect the order and encourage that prosperity for both our nations and the broader region, in the future.
