As Security Concerns Escalate, China Indicates Increased Naval Presence Near Australia
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Synopsis
China has announced plans to increase the presence of its warships near Australia, citing it as a normal practice for major powers. The Chinese ambassador stated there is no need for an apology regarding recent military drills that disrupted commercial flights. Australia is closely monitoring the situation amid rising security concerns.
Key Takeaways
- China claims naval deployments near Australia are normal.
- Ambassador Xiao Qian denies need for an apology for exercises.
- Australia is monitoring Chinese Task Group movements.
- Collaboration with New Zealand for surveillance is ongoing.
- Concerns raised over armed Chinese vessels in the region.
Canberra, Feb 28 (NationPress) Asserting that it is "normal" for dominant nations to deploy their naval forces globally, China announced on Friday that Australia should prepare for an increase in Chinese warships in its vicinity.
Xiao Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, indicated that Beijing plans to carry out additional naval operations close to Australia and stated there was no need for China to apologize for the recent live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, which resulted in the rerouting of multiple commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"I don't see any reason for the Chinese side to feel remorse or consider apologizing for that," the Ambassador expressed during an interview with a prominent Australian media outlet.
The ambassador declined to comment on whether the presence of Chinese warships near Australia was meant to signal the country to halt its freedom of navigation operations in the contested South China Sea.
On Friday, Australia's Ministry of Defence reported that a Chinese Task Group, which includes the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is currently operating about 320 nautical miles (593 kilometers) south-southwest of Adelaide.
The ministry stated that it continues to monitor the Chinese Task Group while it remains close to Australia's maritime approaches.
"We will keep a close eye on the Chinese Task Group for as long as they are in the vicinity of Australia. The aim is to analyze their movements and understand the purpose of this mission once it concludes," said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
The Defence Minister noted that Australia is collaborating with New Zealand and other regional partners to surveil the Chinese warships.
Earlier this week, Australia confirmed that three Chinese warships re-entered its Exclusive Economic Zone after finishing live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea.
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins alerted Australia on Monday about the Chinese vessels in the region, warning that they are armed with weapons that could potentially reach Australia. Collins cautioned that the Chinese naval task group conducting exercises in the Tasman Sea is "extremely capable" and that one of the warships is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of reaching approximately 1000 kilometers.
