London: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is insisting on Australia’s “perfect right” to sail its fleet through the South China Sea after a robust exchange in the disputed waters between Australian frigates and the Chinese navy.

Mr Turnbull said Australia asserted its right to freedom of navigation throughout the world’s oceans, including the South China Sea.

The remark came after the ABC reported that three Royal Australian Navy vessels were “challenged” by Chinese forces when sailing through the region earlier this month.

Mr Turnbull did not confirm or deny the event but declared that Australia had a right to the freedom to send its navy through the international waters.