Australia news live: China hits back at Penny Wong’s comments; Victorian teachers due to begin strike

16.37 EDTChina hits back at Penny Wong’s comments about South China SeaAustralia is not ruling out stepping up joint patrols of the South China Sea following “destabilising” missile testing in the region, Australian Associated Press reports.The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, was asked last night about the potential of more regular regional sea patrols in tandem with the United States and Japan, following China’s launching of nuclear-capable missiles.“The maritime zone is critical to stability in the region so, when we have a conversation about the South China Sea, that is something I’m sure we should all keep in mind,” she told reporters in Manila where she is attending the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting.“We are concerned about some of the aggression we are seeing, we are…

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