Expressing concern over the scale of China's activities in the disputed South China Sea, Australia urged all claimants to clarify the full nature of their claims in accordance with international law.
In its 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper released a few weeks ago, Australia stressed its position that the UN-backed tribunal's ruling on the Philippines' arbitration case against China is "final and binding on both parties."
Clarifying that they are not taking sides in the competing claims, Australia considers the South China Sea as a "major fault line" in the regional order.
"Like other non-claimant states, however, we have a substantial interest in the stability of this crucial international waterway, and in the norms and laws that govern it," the Foreign Policy White Paper read.
Australia noted that they have urged all claimants to refrain from actions that would increase tension in the region. They have also called for a halt on Beijing's land reclamation and construction activities.
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