https://www.forbes.com/sites/michae...confronting-the-australian-navy/#3814e68b2592
As if tensions in the South China Sea aren’t already near a boiling point, add another ingredient to the volatile mix.
Australian warships passing through the area – which is claimed by China – were confronted by Chinese warships, according to Australian media.
“An Australian Defense Force joint task group consisting of five warships last week travelled through the disputed waterways, including close to the Spratly Islands, which China claims as its own,” reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It is understood the Australian warships did not come within 12 nautical miles of the contested islands, unlike American warships, which have recently conducted freedom of navigation exercises to challenge Beijing's territorial claims,” ABC said.
There were no further details of the encounter, though apparently the Chinese vessels did not get too close or act too threateningly. The Australian Ministry of Defense stated that “unplanned interactions with foreign warships throughout the deployment were conducted in a safe and professional manner.”
As if tensions in the South China Sea aren’t already near a boiling point, add another ingredient to the volatile mix.
Australian warships passing through the area – which is claimed by China – were confronted by Chinese warships, according to Australian media.
“An Australian Defense Force joint task group consisting of five warships last week travelled through the disputed waterways, including close to the Spratly Islands, which China claims as its own,” reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It is understood the Australian warships did not come within 12 nautical miles of the contested islands, unlike American warships, which have recently conducted freedom of navigation exercises to challenge Beijing's territorial claims,” ABC said.
There were no further details of the encounter, though apparently the Chinese vessels did not get too close or act too threateningly. The Australian Ministry of Defense stated that “unplanned interactions with foreign warships throughout the deployment were conducted in a safe and professional manner.”
