'We cannot protect ourselves': Senator says Chinese warships show critical defence gap

Senator Jacqui Lambie has warned that Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises near the Australian coast have exposed a critical gap in Australia's defense. Lambie believes that this incident highlights the inadequacies in Australia's defense capabilities, which require serious attention.

Lambie made the remarks on the "Today" program this morning, after the Department of Defence confirmed that three Chinese warships had been tracked operating 296 kilometers east of Tasmania, Lambie's home state. Lambie stated, "What troubles me this morning is not China, but our defense force and the equipment it has."

The former soldier Lambie said that China's behavior is "big boy tactics," but she is concerned about Australia's response. "We're arguing about AUKUS (defense agreement). We're arguing about submarines that won't arrive for 20 years, which is an absolute waste of money. I don't understand why we don't have missiles deployed in and around northern Australia." Lambie's comments express her doubts and concerns about Australia's defense strategy.

The Department of Defence stated that the Chinese fleet entered the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone earlier yesterday. "Task Group 107 of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N), comprising the Luyang III-class destroyer ‘Zunyi’, Jiangkai II-class frigate ‘Hengyang’ and Fuchi-class auxiliary replenishment ship ‘Weishanhu’, is currently operating approximately 160 nautical miles (296km) east of Hobart, within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone," the Department said in a statement.

The Department of Defence also stated: "Australia expects all foreign militaries operating in our region to do so in a transparent manner and with the utmost regard for safety and professionalism, and we encourage all states to maintain open lines of communication to ensure their activities support regional security and stability. We respect the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace in accordance with international law, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same." The Department of Defence emphasized the need to maintain regional stability and comply with international law.

The Department of Defence also released new photographs of the Chinese warships. The Department of Defence stated that the Australian Defence Force is working with the New Zealand military to monitor the ships. Australian Aviation Services revealed on Monday that a Virgin Australia pilot first spotted the three Chinese warships off the east coast of Australia last week.

Defense analyst John Blaxland said on the "Today" program this morning that the presence of Chinese warships so close to Australia should be a wake-up call for the federal government. "This is China playing in the 'front yard' of the Tasman Sea in a way that is almost unprecedented." Blaxland's comments underscore the seriousness of the incident and its potential impact on Australia's national security.