Sydney [Australia], May 8: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used quite strong words in accusing the Chinese Air Force of 'endangering' Australian Navy helicopters in the Yellow Sea.
According to Australia, this activity of the Australian Navy is within the framework of the UN's Argos campaign to monitor the implementation of UN policy measures embargo against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Both China 's actions and Australia's response were surprising because the two countries had just achieved some progress in conciliation and resolving long-standing disagreements to improve bilateral relations and for political reasons. China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, agreed to the UN's Argos campaign. So the underlying reason for this incident is certainly not because China shows support for North Korea but shows its attitude towards Australia.
It seems that China intends to send a message of warning and deterrence to Australia. Recently, the Australian side has made moves that have made China unhappy. Australia strongly strengthens bilateral military, defense and security cooperation with Japan and the Philippines , and participates in multilateral links in similar fields with a number of other partners. Most recently, Australia, along with the US, Japan and the Philippines, held joint naval exercises for the first time in the East Sea.
From there we can see two things. First, the reconciliation process to improve relations between China and Australia has not been able to progress quickly and substantially. Second, similar things as just now will happen many times between the two sides.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
