Australia defends US against China in latest freedom of navigation dispute
Australia has consistently supported US-led freedom of navigation activities in the South China Sea.
The operation was undertaken to challenge what a US Defense Department spokesman described as excessive maritime claims by
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters he had reiterated that support in a phone call with US President Barack Obama early on Thursday.
"We ... talked about security issues in our region and confirmed our strong commitment to freedom of navigation throughout the region and the importance of any territorial disputes being resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law," Turnbull said.
Facilities on Fiery Cross Reef include a 3,000-metre (10,000-foot) runway that the United States worries China will use to press its extensive territorial claims at the expense of weaker rivals.