Australia Alarmed By The Growing Tensions In The South China Sea

A ship (top) of Chinese Coast Guard is seen near a ship of Vietnam Marine Guard in the South China Sea, about 210 km (130 miles) off shore of Vietnam in this May 14, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/NGUYEN MINH

Reuters: Australia alarmed by strategic rivalry in South China Sea

Australia expressed alarm on Wednesday at escalating strategic rivalry in the South China Sea, saying it puts Asia at the risk of a military blunder with potentially serious consequences.

China's recent assertiveness in the South China Sea has increased military and diplomatic tensions between it and rival claimants, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews refrained from taking sides, but his comments made clear that Australia's greatest concerns arose from Chinese military construction on scraps of land that are internationally contested.

Update: Australia strongly raises Chinese 'aggression' in South China Sea, urges India to act -- Business Standard

WNU Editor: These Aussie concerns are justified .... but everyone who has a stake in the disputed South China Sea region are not listening, and are now rushing to form alliances and partnerships to protect their claims.