A flotilla of Chinese naval vessels has been observed off the north-west coast of Western Australia, having recently passed the navy base HMAS Stirling located on Garden Island near Rockingham. These warships are partaking in a circumnavigation of Australia, which has sparked diplomatic tensions and political discussions domestically, especially following a live-fire exercise conducted off the coast of New South Wales.
Australian officials are closely monitoring the movements of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy Task Group 107, which consists of a frigate, a cruiser, and a replenishment vessel, currently located approximately 300 nautical miles (or 556 kilometres) north-west of Perth. The Department of Defence stated that they are vigilant in overseeing the task group’s navigation through international waters as it approaches Australia’s maritime borders.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles commended the Australian Defence Force, in collaboration with the New Zealand military, for effectively tracking the Chinese fleet. He emphasised that Royal Australian Navy ships—HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Stuart, and HMAS Toowoomba—are actively shadowing the task group to ensure ongoing surveillance.
Marles reassured the public that there is a robust response in place to monitor these developments closely since the vessels entered Australian waters.