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5. Ministers unequivocally condemned Russia’s full-scale, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine and demanded Russia immediately withdraws its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory. The UK welcomed Australia’s contribution to training of Ukrainian personnel through Operation Kudu, and its recent contribution to the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine. The UK also welcomed Australia’s decision to join the UK and Latvia’s jointly led Drone Capability Coalition, which is providing critical support to Ukraine. Ministers underscored the value of these contributions which demonstrate Australia’s unwavering commitment to enabling Ukraine to end the war on its own terms. Ministers reiterated their agreement to coordinate on sanctions and other measures to escalate the costs on Russia for its aggression. Ministers called on all those with close relationships with Russia, particularly China, to refrain from helping Russia to continue its war in any way and to convince Russia to end its illegal war.
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10. Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to any coercive or destabilising activities in the South China Sea. Ministers underlined the importance of continuing to work together to support countries being able to exercise their rights and freedoms in the South China Sea, consistent with UNCLOS, including freedom of navigation and overflight. Ministers expressed serious concern regarding recent unsafe and destabilising behaviour by China’s vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons and unsafe manoeuvres resulting in collisions. Ministers agreed this behaviour endangered lives, was destabilising and created risks of miscalculation and escalation. They called on all countries to refrain from the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ lawful offshore resource development. Ministers reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal decision is final and binding on the parties. Ministers also emphasised that any Code of Conduct must fully accord with international law, in particular UNCLOS, not prejudice the rights or interests of States under international law or undermine existing inclusive regional architecture.
11. Ministers underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues without the threat or use of force or coercion. They reaffirmed their shared opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They committed to working together to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is. They reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, scientific, trade, technological and cultural fields.
12. Ministers expressed serious concerns about human rights restrictions throughout China, including the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans and the erosion of their religious, cultural, educational and linguistic rights and freedoms.
13. On Hong Kong, they raised deep concerns about the continuing systemic erosion of autonomy, freedoms and rights there and the impact the newly passed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will have on the city, and recognised the potential impact of these laws on individuals outside of Hong Kong.
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Source: United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO)
Speakers:
- Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong
- Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP
- UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon Lord David Cameron
- UK Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
Format: Press Release
China Policy Research 