China, Australia spar on Twitter over South China Sea

 

A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons. The waters are a major shipping route for global commerce and are rich in fish and possible oil and gas reserves.

Chinese and Australian diplomats sparred on Twitter over Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea following Australia’s endorsement of a U.S. statement that it would recognize virtually none of China’s territorial claims there.

Australia recently filed a memorandum with the United Nations saying the claims were “without legal basis,” plunging Canberra into the controversy that has drawn angry responses from Beijing.

MORE: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/aug/3/china-australia-spar-on-twitter-over-south-china-s/