Chinese warships detected 150 nautical miles from Sydney coast

The Australian Defence Force is closely monitoring three Chinese Navy warships that have been spotted operating 150 nautical miles east of Sydney. These vessels were initially detected in international waters off the northeast coast of Queensland last week and have been steadily moving south along the coast in recent days. The ADF maintains vigilance over maritime activities in the region.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson stated today: "Defence is monitoring People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels, the Jiangkai-class frigate 'Hengyang,' the Renhai-class cruiser 'Zunyi,' and the Fuchi-class replenishment ship 'Weishanhu,' as they continue to operate in waters to Australia’s east." It is understood that the frigate "Hengyang" is one of the three Chinese warships sailing near the waters off Sydney. Continuous monitoring ensures awareness of their activities.

The Australian Department of Defence routinely monitors all maritime traffic in Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone and maritime approaches. The Department of Defence emphasized: "Australia respects the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea." This practice upholds international maritime law and standards.

The UK's Financial Times reported that the warships had sailed to within just 150 nautical miles (276 kilometers) of the Sydney coast. The newspaper also stated that Royal Australian Navy ships are monitoring the Chinese fleet. It is believed that this is the furthest south the Chinese Navy has sailed along Australia’s east coast, and it is not an official military visit. The Australian Navy's presence ensures continued monitoring of the situation.

Defence Minister Richard Marles told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation last week that the Australian Defence Force is closely monitoring the vessels. "I have instructed the Navy and the Air Force to deploy assets to ensure that we are observing, in a very close way, exactly what this task group is doing. We will do that in a safe and professional way, and that is our right to do so." This proactive approach demonstrates Australia's commitment to maritime security and awareness.