Prime minister backs navy to deal with Chinese warships off Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has insisted that the presence of Chinese warships near the Australian coast does not indicate any inadequacy in Australia's naval strength. He made these remarks today as the intentions of the Chinese naval fleet remain unclear. The New Zealand Defence Minister has confirmed that the fleet is sailing south to an area east of Tasmania.

The three warships conducted a second live-fire exercise near the coast of Sydney last Saturday, raising concerns in both Australia and New Zealand. This followed a similar incident in the Tasman Sea the previous day, which forced civilian passenger planes to alter their routes with little warning.

Albanese stated today that the Australian Defence Force has ample naval resources. "We've completed a Defence Strategic Review, and we've looked at the posture of the Defence Force," he said. "If you look at where our investments are going, they are very much focused on naval investment."

Albanese also praised the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, saying he is doing "an outstanding job." Albanese said, "We are regarded as an island continent. Common sense tells you that the navy is very important for Australia." New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins told local media today that the Chinese fleet is 500 kilometers east of Tasmania and has slightly altered its formation.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, during a G20 meeting in South Africa, met with the Chinese Foreign Minister and raised concerns about the live-fire exercise alert last Friday, including the issue of proper notification. However, the Chinese military countered, claiming that Australia had exaggerated the presence of the warships and the live-fire exercises. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said yesterday: "The Australian statement is completely unfounded. China's actions are fully in line with international law and international practice and will not affect aviation flight safety. Australia knows this, but groundlessly accuses China and deliberately hypes it up. We are deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied with this."