Three Chinese warships are currently being observed by Australia’s Defence Force off the north-east coast, following a recent incident in the South China Sea where a Chinese fighter jet ignited flares near an Australian surveillance aircraft, the RAAF P-8A Poseidon. This encounter, described as “unsafe and unprofessional” by Defence, posed risks to the Australian crew, though no injuries or damage occurred.
The Defence spokesperson emphasised Australia’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel while expecting all nations, including China, to operate their military assets professionally. Australia has long carried out maritime surveillance in the region, exercising its rights under international law regarding navigation and airspace.
Additionally, Defence is tracking a Chinese task group comprising a Jiangkai-class frigate, a support vessel, and a Renhai-class cruiser, noted as one of the most heavily armed warships globally. While these vessels navigate through Australia’s Economic Exclusion Zone, Defence maintains that international law permits such movements, and it plans to monitor their activities closely to ensure they do not encroach upon Australia’s 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. Australia stresses its respect for all nations’ rights to free navigation and expects the same for its own rights.