Australian ships are currently conducting exercises with the US and Japanese Navies.(Twitter: Department of Defence)
ABC News Online: Australian ships confronted by Chinese navy in South China Sea
The Chinese navy has confronted Australian warships in the South China Sea during a voyage that saw them sail close to contested islands claimed by Beijing.
The ABC has learnt an Australian Defence Force joint task group consisting of five warships last week travelled through the disputed waterways, including close to the Spratly Islands, which China claims as its own.
It is understood the Australian warships did not come within 12 nautical miles of the contested islands, unlike American warships, which have recently conducted freedom of navigation exercises to challenge Beijing's territorial claims.
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WNU Editor: Australian warships are currently involved in drills with the U.S. and Japanese navies .... Australian warships join US and Japan navies in military drills amid tensions with China (9 News).
