Aggression by China worrying, says Australia leader

NEW DELHI: China’s “level of aggression” in the Indo-Pacific is a matter of concern, Australia’s leader of opposition Peter Dutton said Wednesday even as he pointed to India’s experience on its border with China.

“There is a level of aggression (by China) that causes a lot of concern and angst because in the end, what we all desire is for continued peace in...the Indo-Pacific,” Dutton, also a former defence minister, said. He is in India for an Economic Trade Delegation Summit.

“We want to make sure the trading relationship can continue to prosper but Australia should never shed our values or step back from arguing for what we believe is right and just,” Dutton said. He referred to India’s “experience on the land border” with China and Philippines’ experience in the South China Sea.