
Representatives of the Australian Ministry of Defense confirmed media claims that the airspace above the controversial archipelago is being patrolled by the AP-3C Orion aircraft of the Australian Air Force. It should be noted that this coastal patrol aircraft. And given the fact that Australia has not previously put forward any territorial claims for the Spratly archipelago (Nansha), the purpose of this kind of patrol is not very clear, especially considering the fact that there are such states as Malaysia and Indonesia between Spratly and Australia.
In the Australian media, there were also statements about the “concerns” of Australian officials regarding the fact that, for example, China is trying to carry out vigorous economic activity on the Spratly (Nansha) Islands, including the creation of several bulk (artificial) islands. And what about Australia? .. Or is it a game of "exclusivity" of the regional plan?