Malaysia and Australia's defense ministers are calling for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid growing regional concerns over China's military build-up in the disputed waters.
Tensions between China and its neighbors have risen in recent months over its land reclamation activities in the waters.
China claims most of the energy-rich South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.
Freedom of navigation and flight over the South China Sea is important to the region and also to Australia's relationship with China, Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said after meeting with her Malaysian counterpart on Monday.
Amid China's rising activity in the disputed waters, Australia said in a White Paper last month that it will increase defense spending by nearly A$30 billion ($22.87 billion) over the next 10 years.
Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein supported his counterpart's defense of free movement in the air and the South China Sea's waters.
He said Australia and Malaysia have agreed to share intelligence amid growing concerns over militant attacks and security threats from individuals returning from Syria and Iraq.
The US Navy has carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea, sailing near disputed islands to underscore its rights to operate in the seas.
The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Countries raised concerns last month, saying that land reclamation and escalating activity in the South China Sea has increased tensions and could undermine peace, security and stability in the region.
The Australian government had issued a warning last month that terrorists may be planning attacks in and around the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/559973/news/nation/malaysia-australia-urge-freedom-of-movement-in-south-china-sea
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