Chinese Naval Presence in Australia’s Waters
Three Chinese warships, fresh from live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, have re-entered Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and are now being tracked east of Hobart. The Australian Defence Department has confirmed that the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) flotilla is moving closer to Tasmania, prompting coordinated monitoring efforts with New Zealand’s military.
“Task Group 107 re-entered Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the early hours of this morning,” the Defence Department said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.
Monitoring and Diplomatic Response
The task force consists of:
- Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang
- Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi
- Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu
Currently, the Chinese warships are operating approximately 160 nautical miles (296 kilometres) east of Hobart. Australia has reiterated its expectations for foreign militaries to operate with transparency and professionalism while respecting regional security and stability.
READ MORE: New Zealand MP Andrew Bayly Resigns as Minister After Complaint from Staffer
“We respect the right of all states under international law to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same,” the Defence Department added.
Live-Fire Exercises and Airspace Disruptions
Newly released images show the Chinese warships being closely monitored by Australian and New Zealand defence forces.
Last Friday, the PLA-N task force conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, causing disruption to international flights. Aviation officials later revealed that they first became aware of the Chinese military exercise when a Virgin Airlines pilot picked up warnings via an emergency radio frequency mid-flight.
Government frontbencher Ed Husic stressed the importance of providing adequate notice before conducting military exercises in international waters.
“The biggest issue is to conduct live fire, you have to give notice. We provide 12 to 24 hours’ notice when we do the same as a country. There is good reason for that. It is a safety reason,” Husic said.
Prime Minister Responds
During an appearance on ABC’s Q+A program, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that the Chinese military drills had taken place outside Australia’s EEZ. However, he confirmed that Australia had formally expressed concerns over the lack of advance warning.
“So we put in an official protest, if you like, that more notice should have been given if this activity was to occur,” Albanese stated.
The PLA-N’s movements in the region remain under close observation, with diplomatic and military responses expected to continue as the situation develops.
