SYDNEY (Reuters) - Three Chinese warships sailed out of Sydney on Friday after an unannounced visit that came amid a tussle for influence between Australia and China in the Pacific. "It was a reciprocal visit because Australian naval vessels visited China," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara this week. "So it may have been a surprise to others, but it certainly wasn't a surprise to the government." Ties between Australia and China hit a low last year when Canberra passed laws aimed at thwarting Chinese influence in domestic affairs and also over China's assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea. Australia has offered diplomatic support to U.S. "freedom of navigation" voyages through the South China Sea.

Source: The Star June 07, 2019 06:00 UTC