Three Chinese Navy ships, including a frigate, a cruiser, and a replenishment vessel, have been detected sailing 150 nautical miles east of Sydney, prompting close monitoring by the Australian Defence Force. The incident coincides with a visit by the US Indo-Pacific Command head to Australia, highlighting escalating tensions in the region fueled by recent events such as a dangerous encounter between a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian military plane in the South China Sea.
Three Chinese navy ships, including the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, have been spotted sailing approximately 150 nautical miles east of Sydney. The Australia n Defence Force (ADF) is closely monitoring these vessels as part of standard procedures. A Defence Department spokesperson confirmed that the ADF routinely tracks all maritime traffic within Australia 's Exclusive Economic Zone and surrounding waters.
The Financial Times reported that the Chinese ships' presence is a clear indication of China's intent to normalize its military projection capabilities near the Australian coastline. Professor Rory Medcalf, head of the ANU National Security College, stated that this development signals a concerning strategic shift and highlights the need for Australia to bolster its defense spending and diplomatic efforts to prevent China from establishing a military base in the Pacific. This sighting coincides with a visit by Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, to Australia. Admiral Paparo met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier this week to discuss regional security concerns. Professor Medcalf emphasized the importance of the American presence in the Indo-Pacific, stating that it remains vital for Australia's security. The timing of the Chinese ships' presence and Admiral Paparo's visit underscores the heightened tensions in the region.Recent events, such as the 'dangerous' incident involving a Chinese fighter jet releasing flares in front of an Australian military plane in the South China Sea, have further escalated the situation. Australia has lodged a formal complaint with China regarding this unsafe and unprofessional interaction, while Beijing has accused Australia of violating its airspace. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the three ships sailing near Australia's east coast, stating a lack of familiarity with the situation.
Australia China Navy Tensions Security Indo-Pacific Military Presence South China Sea
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