China hits back at Penny Wong's comments on South China Sea; Victorian teachers strike
China has criticised Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's remarks on the South China Sea, while thousands of Victorian teachers stage a second strike this year, demanding better pay and conditions.
China responds to Wong's comments
China's Foreign Ministry has hit back at Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's comments about the South China Sea, stating that Australia is not a party to the issue and has no right to intervene. Spokesperson Lin Jian said China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up tension and inciting confrontation.
Wong, who is attending the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, expressed concerns about China's actions, including the recent launch of nuclear-capable missiles in the Pacific. She said Australia is not ruling out increasing joint patrols in the South China Sea with the United States and Japan. Wong met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the talks, emphasizing the need for transparency and professional military conduct.
Victorian teachers walk out again
In Australia, more than 35,000 teachers, principals, and education support staff are gathering in Melbourne's CBD for a second teacher strike this year. The walkout follows the rejection of a government pay offer of a 28.3% increase over four years. The Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly said the government has done little to address workload and staffing pressures.
Former deputy principal Melinda Davis noted that the strike is not just about pay but also about conditions and class sizes, pointing to a decade of funding cuts that have left schools in disrepair and driven teachers away. Education Minister Jason Clare urged a quick resolution, stating that teachers deserve the best possible pay.
