SUMMARY

MANILA, Philippines – Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said on Tuesday, June 18, that China’s disruption of a Philippine resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on June 17 was “an escalation in a pattern of deeply concerning and destabilizing behavior by China.”

The statement came just after Chinese Premier Li Qiang wrapped up a four-day visit to Canberra. It was the first visit of a Chinese premier since Beijing lifted trade sanctions and tariffs on Australian products.

“The Australian Government expresses its grave concern at, and stands by the Philippines in its response to, the dangerous and illegal actions by China’s vessels against Philippine vessels and crew taking part in a routine mission to Second Thomas Shoal, within the Philippines’ Ex…

Source:https://www.rappler.com/philippines/australia-statement-hits-china-destabilizing-behavior/