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An Australian delegation has met with Chinese officials for the most recent Australia-China Defence Coordination Dialogue.
Department of Defence First Assistant Secretary International Policy Bernard Philip led the Australian delegation to meet Major General Ye Jiang, Deputy Director of the Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation, in Beijing, on 17 October.
“The Defence Coordination Dialogue is an officials’ level meeting between Australia’s Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army,” Defence said in a statement.
“The dialogue provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional security issues and opportunities for future dialogue.
“Australia raised the importance of all countries in the region operating in a safe and professional manner at all times to avoid the risk of miscalculation or escalation and raised issues regarding the South China Sea.
“Australia underscored the importance of adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Australia also outlined the importance of all countries acting in a manner that respects sovereignty and upholds regional peace and stability.
“The Defence Coordination Dialogue between Australia and China was last held in March 2023 in Canberra, Australia.”
The meeting reportedly discussed military relations, maritime and air security, and international and regional security issues of common concern, according to information published by Chinese Communist Party newspaper Global Times.
Both delegations also discussed promoting practical military exchanges and cooperation, according to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.
