February 17, 2016

"A leading Chinese voice on the South China Sea says it's highly doubtful Australia would ever be granted access to facilities on the newly-built islands. During a visit to Beijing today the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will test China's claims about its intentions for the islands by asking if other countries can make use of them. Ms Bishop has just come from Tokyo, where Australia pledged to deepen defence cooperation with Japan.

A leading Chinese voice on the South China Sea says it's highly doubtful Australia would ever be granted access to facilities on the newly-built islands.

During a visit to Beijing today, the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will test China's claims about its intentions for the islands by asking if other countries can make use of them.

Ms Bishop has just come from Tokyo, where Australia pledged to deepen defence cooperation with Japan.

China correspondent Bill Birtles reports.

BILL BIRTLES: They're two of Australia's most important partners, but there's a distinct contrast in the visits Julie Bishop is making to Japan and China.

In Tokyo, she spoke of shared democratic values, and signed an agreement that will see joint patrols with Japan in the South Pacific Islands.

It's being widely seen as a move to offset increasing Chinese influence there.

But Ms Bishop made it clear islands in the South China Sea will be the focus of today's meetings in Beijing.

JULIE BISHOP: I note that President Xi said in Washington that China did not intend to militarise the islands and therefore I will be seeking further details from China as to what it proposes to do with the reclamation and construction work that it has undertaken.

China has said in the past that these will be "public goods". Well I wish to know how other countries can access these "public goods".

BILL BIRTLES: Ahead of Ms Bishop's arrival China's Foreign Ministry said Australia needs to take an "unbiased attitude" towards the South China Sea disputes.

Previously authorities have said the islands will mainly be used for civilian purposes, including search and rescue and scientific research.

Wu Shicun (President of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies) heads up the National Institute for South China Sea Studies - a Chinese government think tank.

WU SHICUN (translated): If, for example, an Australian vessel was missing or some people were in distress, then I think it would be okay to use the maritime rescue services on the islands.

In future there will be some military facilities there, but I don't believe Australia would use those facilities.

If Australia were to join the US to cruise through the South China Sea and it's a question of whether or not those ships or planes could use the facilities, well, seeing that that would harm China's interests, I think the possibility is very low.

BILL BIRTLES: While not an official voice, Wu Shicun's organisation is overseen by the state council and often echoes the Foreign Ministry and he says China is bemused by Australia's interest in the South China Sea.

WU SHICUN (translated): I don't understand why Australia has recently been frequently raising the South China Sea issue.

Australia is not a party involved in this issue and it's not a country directly affected.

It's good that Australia cares about peace and stability, but if it intends to interfere in the South China Sea it will intensify the situation and it won't be welcomed.

BILL BIRTLES: Australian air force planes have previously conducted flyover exercises in the disputed area, but the Turnbull Government has held off on joining the US in carrying out "freedom of navigation" patrols.

This is Bill Birtles in Beijing in reporting for AM."

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-17/bishop-asks-china-if-other-countries-can-use-the/7175134