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"Australia has not taken sides on competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, but we are concerned about the large-scale land reclamation and construction activity by China and other claimants that raises tensions in the region. Australia strongly opposes the use of intimidation, aggression or coercion to advance any country's claims or to unilaterally alter the status quo. We are particularly concerned about the possible militarisation of features in the South China Sea," Kevin Andrews, minister of defence, Australia said at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).
Andrews, who is on a two-day visit here, also stated that India and Australia will both benefit from a rule-based global order, which will drive their economic growth.
"At the same time, we believe that best way to maintain the integrity of the global trading system is to abide by international rules based system. So we have said, publicly and privately to China, that is what Australia believes in," he said.
Andrews, who met defence minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday, pitched for a quadrilateral naval exercise with Japan and the US. This was done in 2007.
"Military modernisation is a natural part of any state's development. In fact, it can be seen as a largely positive development, as modernising states are more able to manage the security challenges they face. It also represents a great opportunity for Australia to work with more capable partners, as we are with India, in support of shared interests in regional security and stability," he added.
India and Australia will hold a joint naval exercise later this month. This bilateral maritime exercise is called AUSINDEX.
The exercise will take place in the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet exercise area off the Eastern coast of this country.
"The exercise is a significant step forward in the bilateral defence relationship. It is a sign of growing naval cooperation between both of our countries," he said adding that Australia will be sending an ANZAC class frigate (HMAS Arunta); an oiler (HMAS Sirius) a Collins class submarine (HMAS Sheean)and an AP3-C maritime surveillance aircraft.
"We are also slowly seeking to build our bilateral Air Force relationship based on our use of common platforms such as the Hawk, C-17, C-130 and P8 maritime patrol aircraft. In April 2015, we conducted Air Force Staff Talks in Australia where we agreed to work towards developing a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief Exercise between both our Air Forces over the long term," he said.
