Australian destroyer joins UK Navy to conduct South China Sea Freedom of Navigation activity

Good news! Other European nations ought to do the same with respect to the South China Sea. For too long, mostly the US has done this work alone.

"Australia and the United Kingdom have conducted a Freedom of Navigation activity with their warships around disputed islands in the South China Sea with the Australia destroyer involved subsequently linking up with the UK’s carrier strike group currently in the Indo-Pacific.

The activity around the disputed Spratly islands involved the Royal Navy River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Spey and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney, according to a June 24 X post from the UK’s Permanent Joint Force Headquarters. 

Australia has been very cautious in the past to disclose that it was operating close to the disputed islands, so the fact the UK made this public — presumably with Australia’s knowledge — is a notable change of posture. ..."

Australian destroyer conducts South China Sea Freedom of Navigation activity - Breaking Defense "Following the port visit to Singapore, the ship will link up with the UK-led carrier strike group centered on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, where the Australians will integrate and train with the multinational carrier strike group."