China pummels Australia, US on South China Sea

China, Australia and the United States are arguing over the South China Sea. Each side says the other is wrong. The talk is about islands, ships and the law of the sea.

China’s reaction to Australia and the US

China said it does not like the way Australia and the US act. The Chinese statement came from its “international safe haven” office in Canberra. It told both countries not to pick sides. China also said it will keep building and using islands in the South China Sea. It called Australia’s comments “neither responsible nor constructive”.

China blamed Australia and the US for double standards. It said they should respect China’s claim that the 12‑nautical‑mile limit applies to all islands, even the ones China has built. China said the two allies should work for real peace instead of “lighting a flame and stoking the blaze”.

Australia’s stance and its concerns

Former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia will hold China to its promise not to militarise the Spratly Islands. She spoke at the annual Australia‑US defence meeting in Boston. Bishop noted that about 66% of world trade passes through the South China Sea. She said this makes the area very important for Australia.

Australia also wants more training for its navy. It plans to use new P‑8A Poseidon aircraft and Triton drones for long‑range ocean monitoring. These tools could be used in the South China Sea to watch ships and protect trade routes.

US position and freedom of navigation

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said the United States will sail and fly wherever international law allows. He said the US will act in the Arctic or the South China Sea without asking permission. The US follows the principle of freedom of navigation.

Media reports say the US may test the “freedom of navigation” rule by sailing inside 12 nautical miles of a Chinese‑controlled island. The New York Times noted that the US has not done this near a Chinese island since 2012. The US has not confirmed any new plan, but the message is clear: the US wants to keep the sea open.

Why the South China Sea matters

The South China Sea holds oil and gas reserves. It also carries a huge amount of global trade. About two‑thirds of world shipping passes through these waters. Countries like Vietnam, India, the Philippines and Japan watch the area closely.

China has built airstrips, radars, defence systems and stationed troops on several reefs. It says the 12‑nautical‑mile limit should apply to all islands, even those it has built. The US says international law does not give that right to artificial islands.

Recent headlines show the issue is still hot. In September 2026, the US backed the Philippines against China, and Beijing hit back. In July 2026, Beijing slammed a US‑led coalition marking ten years since a South China Sea court ruling. These stories show the tension is growing.

Recent moves and future plans

Australia and the US are strengthening their military ties. They plan more joint training for land, sea and air operations. They also want to work together in cyberspace, saying that international law should stop state‑sponsored cyber theft.

Both countries say they will keep watching the South China Sea. They want to stop any further militarisation. They also want to keep trade routes safe for all nations.

China, meanwhile, says its actions are peaceful and not aimed at any single country. It wants the world to see its building as normal development, not aggression.

FAQ

What is the 12‑nautical‑mile rule?

The rule says a country can control the sea up to 12 nautical miles from its coast. China says this applies to its new islands, but the US says it does not apply to artificial islands.

Why does Australia care about the South China Sea?

Australia depends on the sea for trade. About 66% of global trade passes through the area, so any conflict could affect Australian businesses and the economy.

What does “freedom of navigation” mean?

It means ships and aircraft can move through international waters without needing permission from any country. The US uses this idea to challenge claims it thinks are too big.

Will there be more military drills?

Australia and the US have said they will do more joint training. This includes land, sea and air exercises, and also cyber‑security cooperation.

In short, the three countries are at odds over islands, laws and trade. The future will depend on how each side chooses to act and whether they can find a peaceful way forward.