Abdelrahman
A fleet of Chinese naval ships, including a powerful warship, has sparked concern in Australia and New Zealand due to their presence in the Tasman Sea, where they are operating in unusually southern waters and undertaking an unspecified mission.
Australian authorities announced on Thursday that they are actively monitoring the vessels, which consist of a cruiser, a frigate, and a supply ship. These ships have been under observation since they were initially detected near Australia’s northeast coast last week.
As of this week, these three naval vessels were reported to be approximately 150 nautical miles from Sydney—navigating outside of Australia’s territorial waters but within its exclusive economic zone. An unnamed Australian government official indicated that the ships’ proximity to Sydney is noteworthy, as initially covered by The Financial Times.
China’s military has yet to issue any statements regarding the fleet, and the Chinese Embassy in Australia has not responded to inquiries for comment.
Richard Marles, Australia’s Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the ships are operating within the bounds of international law. He assured that the Australian military is closely tracking their movements both from the sea and the air. In a recent interview, Marles described the presence of the Chinese navy in the region as “not unprecedented,” though he acknowledged it is “unusual.”
“We are maintaining vigilant oversight, ensuring we monitor every action they take,” he emphasized.
In 2019, Chinese warships visited Sydney Harbour, described at the time as a “reciprocal visit” following Australian navy vessels’ tour of Chinese ports. This latest occurrence, however, leaves Australian officials in the dark regarding the vessels’ intended direction and purpose.
