Australian forces will make a “modest, meaningful and time-limited” contribution to a United States-led mission in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf region.
But critics are warning the involvement of Australia’s military in the region could be seen as an “act of aggression” in breach of international law.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced on Wednesday that Australia would send forces to the Middle East because “destabilising behaviour” in the Gulf was a threat to Australian interests.
“The government has been concerned over incidents involving shipping in the Strait of Hormuz over the past few months,” Morrison said.
“This destabilising behaviour is a threat to our interests in the region, particularly our enduring interest in the security of global sea lanes.
“The government has decided it’s in Australia’s national interests to work with our international partners to contribute to an international maritime security mission … in the Middle East.”
Morrison said about 15% of crude oil and 30% of refined oil destined for Australia came through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning instability in the region was also an economic threat that needed to be confronted.
“Freedom of navigation through international waters is a fundamental right of all states under international law,” he said.
“All states have a right to expect safe passage of their maritime trade consistent with international law.”
Australia has committed a frigate, surveillance and patrol aircraft and personnel to the Middle East as part of the US-led mission, known as the international maritime security construct (IMSC).
The United Kingdom and Bahrain are the only other countries to join the US in the Strait of Hormuz, but the UK has appealed to European allies to join the mission to safeguard shipping lanes.
Australian defence force members will join the IMSC taskforce based in Bahrain, which hosts the US navy’s central command and fifth fleet.
SOURCE: Theguardian
