Australia to continue South China Sea patrols despite efforts to improve relations with Beijing

Australia has said it will continue military patrols in the South China Sea, a move diplomatic analysts said was likely to complicate efforts to improve relations with China.

“Our operations haven’t changed, it is still business as usual for us,” Australian air force chief Robert Chipman said, according to ABC News. He added the Australian Defence Force was “well equipped” for its operations in the South China Sea.