China, Australian Navy involved in 'encounter' in South China Sea

South China Sea

The Chinese Navy which has been conducting exercises in the South China Sea said today it was involved in an "encounter" with the Australian Navy.

"Chinese and Australian naval vessels had an "encounter" in the South China Sea this week, and China acted professionally and lawfully," China's defence ministry said.

"The Chinese side's ships used professional language to communicate with the Australian side, and their operations were lawful, in compliance, professional and safe," the ministry added.

"The encounter happened on Sunday," it said.

The Australian Navy confirmed three ships had recently travelled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam but did not give any more details.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said later that if Australia is referring to "freedom of navigation" in accordance with international laws, there is no problem whatsoever, Reuters reported.

"But if Australia has other motives, we hope it can see the trend in the South China Sea is stable and improving, and work together with China and other neighbouring countries for the peace and stability of the region," the Chinese ministry spokesman said.

The South China Sea has become a centre for naval exercise with China and the US fueling the race in an area which has several disputed islands hotly contested by China and the rest of the countries namely Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and others.

Australia which is a close ally of the US said in a statement that it had deployed ships  -  Anzac, Toowoomba and Success - which will conduct naval exercises with countries around the region.