China considers launching maritime talks with Australia

China is considering launching talks on maritime affairs with Australia, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, as increased tension among several nations bordering the South China Sea threatens regional security.
Maritime issues have been a hot-button topic between China and Australia amid growing confrontations in the vital economic waterway that China claims almost in its entirety, despite overlapping claims by many Southeast Asian nations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on the final day of a visit to Australia, during which he has met his counterpart and other leaders to discuss trade issues and differences over regional security.
Lin Jian, the spokesperson, in response to a query on the visit, “Both sides agreed to restore and establish dialogue in various fields,” said adding that both are also considering launching talks on maritime issues.
He added, other areas in which both will look to promote co-operation include diplomacy, trade, technology, education and law enforcement.