On 17 October, the Australia-China Defence Coordination Dialogue was held in Beijing, China. Mr Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary International Policy, Department of Defence led the Australian delegation. Major General Ye Jiang, Deputy Director of the Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation, led China’s delegation.
The Defence Coordination Dialogue is an officials’ level meeting between Australia’s Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army. 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.
