Australia-China naval drills to go ahead despite maritime tensions between US and China.

Australia and China will go ahead with planned joint naval drills despite Canberra's public support for US naval patrols in the South China Sea, which Beijing blasted as "dangerous and provocative".
It comes as one of Australia's leading defense analysts, Peter Jennings of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, urged the Turnbull government to carry out its own patrols.

Despite the tensions between Australia's closest ally and its largest exports customer, a Defence spokesperson confirmed exercises involving two Anzac-class frigates off the southern coast of China would go ahead as planned.

"The Royal Australian Navy has a long history of engagement with regional navies and regularly conducts port visits and exercises - including in China," the spokesperson said.
"No upcoming engagement activities with the People's Liberation Army Navy have been delayed, suspended or cancelled.