U.S. Vice President Joe Biden left some none-too-subtle hints that America would intervene in the South China Sea dispute if needed, and potentially laid the groundwork for a request that Australia join the fray also.

Biden’s speech at Sydney’s Paddington Town Hall was the centrepiece of a whirlwind Australian visit, where he focused on emphasising the U.S.-Australia alliance and relationship, as well as hinting at greater American involvement in the Pacific and the disputed South China Sea.

“We are not going anywhere. And that is vital because our presence in the region… is essential to maintaining peace and stability, without which the economic growth and prosperity I believe would falter,” Biden told a packed hall.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/07/19/joe-biden-hints-at-south-china-sea-intervention-and-expresses-gr/