Australia’s Navy and Air Force are monitoring Chinese warships spotted about 300 kilometres from Sydney on Thursday, as Beijing sends a strong message.
The Australian navy trailed the Chinese boats which have moved further south since they were spotted by the defence force operating to the northeast of Australia in the Coral Sea.
Defence Minister Richard Marles described the activity as “unusual” but not unprecedented, stressing the Chinese vessels were not a threat as their conduct was in accordance with international law.
The three Chinese navy ships have been in Australia’s vicinity, in international waters, since last week.
A Defence spokesperson said a Jiangkai-class frigate, a Renhai-class Cruiser and a Fuchi-class replenishment vessel had been sailing down the coast.
On Thursday, the flotilla was east of Sydney, but it was not known exactly what the ships were doing.
Marles said Australia was “keeping close watch” on the Chinese and would continue to monitor them while their boats were in the region.
“They are entitled to be where they are. Australia is also entitled to be prudent and we are monitoring very closely what the activities of the task group are,” said Marles.
He said when the Chinese “mission” was over, Australia would engage in a full assessment “of what the Chinese were seeking to achieve”.
“But both naval and Air Force assets have been deployed to make sure that we are monitoring exactly what is occurring here,” said Marles.
“And we are working with our other partners in the region and we will continue to do that for as long as the Chinese task force is in the vicinity of Australia.”
Australian National University expert associate Jennifer Parker said the ships were meant to send a message to Australia about Beijing’s capability and their ability to demonstrate presence.
Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said “a false equivalence” could not be drawn with Australia operating in the South China Sea.
“Both are operating in international waters, and we would not seek to stop the Chinese navy operating in international waters,” he told Sky News.
“But we’re not engaging in unsafe or unprofessional conduct against the PLA-N (Chinese military) in our region as they have against us.”
Chinese ‘intimidation’
A Chinese fighter jet fired flares in front of a RAAF surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea last week.
The Albanese government raised its concerns with Beijing over the incident which risked the lives of Australian personnel.
But China has defended the behaviour and accused Australia of spreading “false narratives”.
Parker said given the rapidly changing geo-strategic environment, the debate needed to avoid “catastrophising” situations.
“The message that we need to take away from this Chinese task group is that China has the largest navy in the world … and this will become an increasing trend,” she said.
“In the event of a crisis or conflict, they could and would threaten Australia’s maritime trade.
“This should be a reminder of their capabilities, and for the need for Australia to invest in our maritime capabilities as an island trading nation.”
-with AAP
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