Two small jet aircraft act as a simulated target while flying between the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), front, and US Navy USS Howard (DDG 83) during Rim of the Pacific 2016. US Navy photo
US Vice President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stressed Tuesday the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and a rules-based international order, in the wake of an international court’s recent rejection of China’s claim to almost the entire sea.
Speaking to reporters after their talks in Sydney, Biden said they “reaffirmed our commitment to continue to work together to uphold the liberal international order that has served the world so well for the past 75 years and to maintain the free flow of commerce and trade in the air and on sea, making sure the sea lanes are open and the skies are free for navigation.”
“They are the lifeblood lines of commerce and the economic growth worldwide,” he said, recalling how both governments last week issue strong statements urging China and the Philippines to abide by the tribunal’s ruling, which China has refused to do.
Biden said his talks with Turnbull, who was recently elected to a second term as prime minister, also covered military cooperation.
He said they discussed “the steps that Australia and the United States are taking so our troops can train more together and increase our interoperability so we are fully prepared to respond to any challenges in the Pacific with a united front.”
“It’s important we stand together,” he added.
Turnbull noted that neither Australia nor the United States is a claimant to any of the reefs and other contested features in the South China Sea, which are disputed among the governments of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
“But each of us encourage all parties to resolve such differences as there are, in accordance with international law, in accordance with peaceful negotiation,” he said.
http://www.update.ph/2016/07/us-australia-standing-together-to-face-any-challenges-pacific/7763
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