Beijing causing anxiety in South China Sea: Australian defence minister Christopher Pyne

Christopher Pyne chides Beijing for militarisation of the waterway, but says Canberra does not seek to contain China

There’s no evidence detention of writer Yang Hengjun is linked to the arrest of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, he says

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Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne delivers his keynote address during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Forum in Singapore. Photo: AP

Published: 9:41am, 28 Jan 2019Updated: 11:44am, 29 Jan 2019

Australia’s defence minister has laid out in some of the strongest terms his country’s efforts to bolster influence in the Indo-Pacific, chiding China for causing “anxiety” with its moves in the South China Sea.

In a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Fullerton Forum in Singapore on Monday, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said Beijing should use its growing power to inspire regional trust and confidence.

“The building and militarisation of artificial features in the South China Sea, for instance, has not increased regional confidence in China’s strategic intentions,” Pyne said. “Instead, it has increased anxiety.”

Pyne, however, also insisted that Australia did not seek the containment of China.

The remarks by Australia’s top defence official come as relations between Canberra and Beijing are under strain following China’s detention of Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun on suspicion on endangering national security.

Beijing had not responded to Pyne’s speech as of Monday evening.

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