Senator Jacqui Lambie has raised concerns over Australia’s defence capabilities following the recent presence of Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises near its coast. In an interview on Today, Lambie, who represents Tasmania, highlighted the alarming implications of these drills, which reportedly took place 296 kilometres east of Hobart.
Lambie emphasised that her worry lies not with China itself, but rather with the inadequacies of Australia’s Defence Force and its equipment, describing the situation as a disgrace. As a former soldier, she voiced apprehension about Australia’s ability to protect itself in light of China’s assertive military strategies, which she characterised as "big boy tactics."
She expressed frustration over the current debates surrounding the AUKUS defence pact and the future introduction of submarines that would not be operational for another two decades. Lambie argued for an immediate enhancement of the nation’s coastal defence systems, questioning why Australia does not deploy missiles strategically around its shores.
The Australian Department of Defence confirmed the entry of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group, which includes various classes of naval vessels, into Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. In a statement, the Defence Department called for transparency and professionalism from all militaries operating in the region to foster safety and stability.
New images of the Chinese warships were released, while Australia collaborates with New Zealand military forces to monitor their activities. The issue gained additional attention after a Virgin Airlines pilot became the first to report the sighting of these warships off Australia’s eastern coast.
Defence analyst John Blaxland echoed Lambie’s sentiments, stating the proximity of Chinese naval presence to Australia was unprecedented and should serve as a vital alert to the federal government regarding national security. Blaxland highlighted that it represents a significant shift in China’s operational strategy within Australia’s maritime vicinity.
The calls for scrutiny over defence readiness come amid ongoing concerns about regional security, emphasising that Australia must take active measures to bolster its defence mechanisms.