What is Australia's interest in the disputed territory of the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea?

Recently, there has been increasing tension over the issue of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea between the Philippines and China, as well as other countries.

What's behind the layering disputes in the South China Sea and could it lead to armed conflict? Credit: SBS News

Key Points

• Australia is not a claimant in the disputed territory in the South China Sea. Under UNCLOS, Australia has acquired a large portion of the exclusive economic zone (8 million square kilometres).
• The disputed territory of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea is a strategic economic location due to its wealth of fishing, energy, and gas resources.
• SBS Filipino spoke with Prof. Bec Strating – Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University in Melbourne. She explained why Australia is interested in the issue even though it is not a claimant of the territory.