Chinese Warships Off Australia’s Coast Draw Military Scrutiny

A fleet of Chinese warships has been tracked moving along Australia’s east coast, drawing increased scrutiny from both Australian and New Zealand defense forces. The warships, including a missile cruiser and a supply vessel, were first observed passing through the Coral Sea before heading south, an unusual maneuver that has raised concerns.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the warships were operating in international waters but emphasized that such a presence so close to the country’s exclusive economic zone was not common. Australian naval and air assets have been deployed to monitor their movements.

New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins also acknowledged the presence of the Chinese vessels, stating that New Zealand’s military was coordinating surveillance efforts with Australia. She expressed concern that Beijing had not provided an explanation for the warships’ presence in the region.

The sudden appearance of the Chinese fleet follows a recent aerial dispute between the two countries. Last week, an Australian surveillance plane was confronted by a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea, a move that Australia described as “unsafe.” China countered the claim by accusing the Australian aircraft of violating its sovereignty.

In addition to patrolling near Australian waters, China has announced live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, an area between Australia and New Zealand. The exercise forced commercial flights to alter routes, prompting Australian officials to raise concerns about Beijing’s lack of transparency.

As China extends its naval operations further south, Australia and New Zealand remain on alert, working to assess Beijing’s strategic objectives in the region.

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