Australia urged to uphold fair, objective stance over maritime issue

Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, meets with Australian Chief of the Defense Force Mark Binskin on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore on Friday. [Photo by ZHANG YUNBI/chinadaily.com.cn]

Australia should uphold a fair and objective stance over the South China Sea issue, a senior Chinese military official said on Friday.

Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, voiced the hope during his meeting with Australian Chief of the Defense Force Mark Binskin on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.

"The Chinese government's position regarding the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear ," Sun said.

Binskin said both Australia and China are committed to ensuring the region's prosperity and development, and Australia is ready to maintain dialogue and communication with China.

Sun will also meet with defense and military leaders from Russia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand during the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.