China has issued a blunt warning to Australia — “Stay out of the South China Sea or risk damage to bilateral relations.”
China’s Foreign Ministry obviously did not like a remark made by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that China should abide by the UN ruling and that Australia would continue freedom of navigation exercises. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that a good portion of South China Sea is under the jurisdiction of the Philippines and within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
China has called the UN tribunal that ruled it has no claim over the South China Sea “a farce, an American conspiracy and the ruling a piece of waste paper.”
Now China has turned her fierce rhetoric and threats towards Australia and Ms Bishop.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Ms Bishop’s assertion that China should abide by the decision and that it was final and legally binding was wrong.
“Australia should not treat the illegal ruling from an illegal arbitration court as international law.”
He warned Ms Bishop’s declaration—that Australia would continue freedom of navigation flights and patrols in the South China Sea—would threaten bilateral relations. “Australia is not a party to the South China Sea issue. We hope Australia should firmly abide by the promise not to hold a position when there is a territorial dispute.
Mr Lu Kang warned Australia should not treat international law as a game.
“China has lodged serious representations to Australia regarding the wrong remarks delivered by the Australian leaders,” he said. “We are firmly against this.”
And in more threats, China said it would decisively respond against anyone who takes provocations against its security interests in the South China Sea.
China said she has the right to establish an air defence zone to protect her interests and any freedom of navigation flights or patrols by Australia will be seen in Beijing as a direct challenge. (9 MSN News)