@sailorgirl; China pushing back against insults and provocation doesn't have to translate into naval or military conflict. Nor does it mean clowns like Morrison and Trump have to say. 'Sorry!' since such would be now be seen by the Chinese as contemptible weakness and gross insincerity.
Joint exercises and cooperation between the defence forces of China, Australia and the USA are one example of a better way forward. This would enable all sides to better tackle high seas piracy and international drug running - presuming Australia and the USA do actually want to short circuit such.
Just as China needs to teach its hawks a lesson and to stop them shooting from the lip, so too Australia and the USA!
Then just let people and business take their natural courses!
