Australian ministers Marise Payne and Linda Reynolds criticise China’s ‘coercive conduct’

Australia has officially rejected China’s claims to disputed land in the South China Sea in a pointed criticism of the country’s “coercive conduct”.

Australia has criticised Beijing’s “coercive conduct” in the South China Sea and the “national security legislation” imposed on Hong Kong ahead of security talks in the US next week

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, writing in The Weekend Australian, have flagged stronger cooperation with the US on China, saying the region faces a pivotal moment.

The two ministers say the coronavirus pandemic was exacerbating the most difficult set of strategic challenges seen in several generations.

“We face a public health crisis, economic upheaval and resurgent authoritarian regimes using coercion in a bid to gain power and influence at the expense of our freedoms and sovereignty,” they write.

It comes as Australia formally rejected any claims by China to “historic rights” to disputed land in the South China Sea.

Ms Payne and Ms Reynolds point to “sweeping and vague” national security legislation imposed on Hong Kong, which has “undermined the rights, freedoms and futures of millions of people”.

“Coercive actions in the South China Sea, such as the escalation of disputes and militarisation of disputed features, continue to create tensions that destabilises the region,” they continue.

“Cyber attacks are on the rise, while authoritarian governments imperil hopes for an open, interoperable, reliable and secure internet.”

Ms Payne and Ms Reynolds write that they have called out disinformation by malicious actors — some state-sponsored — who have taken advantage of the COVID-19 crisis to undermine democratic systems and inflame social polarisation.

“We will work with our region, and the world, to support those under threat from disinformation,” they note.

They are due to meet their US counterparts, Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper, for the annual AUSMIN talks next week.

It comes as Australian warships sailing near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea were reportedly confronted by the Chinese navy.

On Friday, Mr Pompeo urged nations to stand up to China’s “tyranny” regardless of the economic costs.

“Today, China is increasingly authoritarian at home, and more aggressive in its hostility to freedom everywhere else,” he said.

“If the free world doesn’t change Communist China, Communist China will change us.”

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Royal Australian Navy helicopter frigate HMAS Parramatta conducts officer of the watch manoeuvres with amphibious assault ship USS America, guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and guided-missile destroyer USS Barry in the South China Sea earlier this year. Picture: Department of Defence

Senators Payne and Reynolds write that this year’s AUSMIN talks are the most important yet and the unshakeable commitment to the values and interests that Australia and the US share will be at the heart of talks next week, and in years to come.

“There is no relationship that better spans the full spectrum of values, history, practical benefit, evolving interests, economic exchange and natural affiliation as our alliance with the US,” they write.

They also flag a series of agreements between the countries including a new regional health plan to tackle infectious diseases, another one to combat disinformation by “malicious actors”, agreements to step up military co-operation and the development of defence technologies, and to strengthen supply chains for essential goods such as critical minerals and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the US-China relationship continues to deteriorate with China announcing on Friday that it had ordered the closure of the US consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

It comes after the US forced China to close its consulate in Houston amid claims of espionage activity.