Australia backs code of conduct for South China Sea

Australia Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has voiced her support for the completion of a code of conduct aimed at reducing tensions in the South China Sea. The call comes in the wake of China's increasingly aggressive claim to almost the entire area. Bishop, who was on a visit to the Philippines on Thursday, said she discussed the matter with her Filipino counterpart Albert del Rosario. Bishop stressed that her country is not taking sides in the dispute, but urged claimants in the South China Sea to resolve disputes using dialogue. Mornings @ ANC, February 21, 2014