Australia’s PM says China ties damaged by navy divers incident
AUSTRALIA made clear its “strong objections” to Beijing after a Chinese destroyer disregarded warnings about personnel in the water and used sonar pulses that injured a navy diver, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“This was dangerous, it was unsafe and unprofessional from the Chinese forces,” Albanese said in an interview with Sky News on Monday (Nov 20). “The consequences of these events are that they do damage to the relationship.”
A People’s Liberation Army-Navy destroyer ignored requests to keep clear of the divers that had been freeing nets entangled around propellers of the Australian navy’s HMAS Toowoomba. The incident occurred Nov 14 inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The event has prompted criticism from Australia’s opposition coalition that said Albanese was more interested in photo opportunities with President Xi Jinping during this month’s visit to China and wasn’t prepared to protect Australia’s national interests. The prime minister rejected that characterisation.
“We’ve made it very clear to the Chinese of our strong objections,” Albanese said. “This sort of event should not occur.”
China’s defence ministry responded on Monday saying that Australia’s remarks were inconsistent with the facts and Beijing had lodged complaint to Canberra.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
The Chinese destroyer Ningbo monitored and identified HMAS Toowoomba, all while keeping a safe distance from it and did not carry out any activities that might affect the diving operations of the Australian side, the ministry said in a statement.
“We urge the Australian side to respect the facts and stop making reckless and irresponsible accusations against China,” it said.
Albanese earlier this month became the first Australian leader to visit China in more than seven years. Ties between Beijing and Canberra have rapidly improved since his centre-left government was elected 18 months ago.
The Australian vessel had been in the waters as part of Operation Argos, enforcing sanctions against North Korea during a regional presence deployment. BLOOMBERG, REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
