Australia's Wong says region faces choice on responding to South China Sea 'aggression'

Asian countries face a critical choice in how they address assertive actions in the South China Sea, according to Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Canberra is concerned about recent instances of aggressive and destabilizing behavior in the strategically vital waterway.

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We are concerned about some of the aggression we are seeing. We are concerned about some of the destabilising conduct we are seeing.

Wong specifically referenced a recent confrontation between China and the Philippines, describing it as both concerning and risky. "We are concerned about some of the aggression we are seeing," Wong stated on the sidelines of an ASEAN-led meeting. "The countries of the region have a choice to make about how we all respond to that."

The incident involved a Philippine navy personnel being struck on the head, an event Beijing attributed to Manila's provocation. In response, both nations summoned each other's ambassadors. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that Australia is not a party to the South China Sea dispute and has no right to intervene.

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The countries of the region have a choice to make about how we all respond to that.

"China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up tension and inciting confrontation," Lin Jian said, adding that Beijing remains committed to resolving maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation.

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China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up tension and inciting confrontation.