Antinuclear

The United States has previously dispatched warships to sail past territory occupied by China in so-called “freedom of navigation” exercises to demonstrate it does not recognise control of the waters.

China has denounced the ruling in the arbitration case brought by the Philippines as “null and void” and threatened to impose controls on aircraft over the disputed waters.

The territorial dispute has escalated in recent years after China seized control of coral atolls and tiny islands in waters claimed by the Philippines, dredging the sea floor to reclaim land and construct aircraft runways, which could serve as military bases.

Speaking from Beijing, Mr Carr said a diplomatic course was more likely to find a solution.

Asked about Senator Conroy’s comments, Mr Carr said Bill Shorten and shadow foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek had shown “realism” by supporting the diplomatic path.

“If our response to the arbitration were to immediately signal patrols that mimicked the American patrols, Australia would be one out among all American partners in the region. We’d look like the deputy sheriff,” he said…….http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/labors-bob-carr-warns-against-deputy-sheriff-military-action-in-south-china-sea-20160713-gq5arp.html