Philippines: Australian Minister hopes to reduce tensions in South China Sea

Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop today voiced her support for the completion of a "code of conduct" aimed at reducing tensions amid China's aggressive claim to almost all of the South China Sea.

Bishop, who is on a visit to the Philippines, said she discussed the matter with her Filipino counterpart Albert del Rosario.

There have been heightened tensions between China and its neighbours -- including the Philippines -- because of disputes over maritime territory.

Bishop said Australia favoured the push by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to craft a "code of conduct" to better manage the issues.

"In the case of the South China Sea, we support ASEAN objectives in concluding a Code of Conduct with China and ...Continue >>>