Australia is considering joint military patrols with Indonesia in the contested waters of the South China Sea amid growing concerns in the west that a Beijing diplomatic offensive in Southeast Asia is upending the region’s balance of power.
Julie Bishop, Australia’s foreign minister, confirmed on Tuesday that Canberra was exploring options with Jakarta aimed at increasing maritime co-operation, including co-ordinated activities in the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
“This is all consistent with our policy of exercising our right of freedom of navigation,” said Ms Bishop. “And that is in accordance with international law and our support for peace, stability and security in the region.”
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