CHINA-SOUTH CHINA SEA: AUTRALIAN WARSHIP JOINS 3 US WARSHIPS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA IN 'SHOW OF FORCE'
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UK's Daily Telegraph reported (April 23) that the Australian frigate HMAS Parramatta joined the USS America, an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Bunker Hill, a guided missile cruiser and the USS USS Barry this week close to where the Chinese government survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 is suspected to be exploring for oil. A vessel operated by Malaysia's Petronas state oil company is also operating in the area. It said this apparent show of force comes amid accusations that China is exploiting the Covid-19 crisis to bolster its territorial claims in regional flashpoints. By recently creating two administrative units on the Paracel and Spratly islands, Beijing angered its Southeast Asian neighbours including the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Vietnam. Hanoi demanded that China respect its "sovereignty and abolish its wrongful decisions." Vietnam has engaged in tense standoffs with the Haiyang Dizhi 8 over its suspected oil exploration surveys. The US denounced China's "bullying behaviour."
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