(TNND) — Australian defense officials are currently keeping a vigilant eye on three Chinese naval vessels navigating along the eastern coast of Australia under unclear circumstances, as stated in a report on Thursday.

During a conversation with Sky News, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Australian military is actively monitoring the situation.

In the interview, Marles remarked, “This occurrence is not without precedent, but it is certainly unusual.”

He acknowledged that while the Chinese warships are entitled to operate in international waters, Australia also possesses the authority to surveil their movements and remain alert.

According to The Financial Times, the naval group from the People’s Liberation Army was located 150 nautical miles off the coast of Sydney.

Additionally, the New Zealand military is collaborating with Australia to monitor the Chinese vessels closely, as reported by The Associated Press.

The relationship between Australia and China remains tense, highlighted by a recent incident in which a Chinese fighter jet deployed flares, an action Australia claimed posed a risk to one of its military aircraft over the South China Sea.