Premier demands more navy ships as Chinese flotilla sails off WA

The Premier of Western Australia has called for increased naval presence along the coastline as three Chinese warships continue to navigate around Australia.

The Australian Department of Defence stated today that the three vessels—a frigate, a guided-missile cruiser, and a supply ship—were located 170 nautical miles (314 kilometers) southeast of Perth.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook expressed his concern about the presence of the People's Liberation Army Navy vessels near the coast of Western Australia. He stated, "We have consistently indicated that we would like to see a greater presence of naval vessels on the west coast, particularly in the north-west."

These ships have been sailing westward since conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea last month. Reports indicated that the Australian Defence Force only learned about the exercises 30 minutes after they began, after being notified by civil aviation officials, sparking a political dispute over the readiness of the Australian Navy. It is understood that a Virgin Australia pilot, upon hearing radio transmissions from the Chinese warships and having to alter course, alerted the relevant authorities.

Chinese officials have strongly denied that their navy failed to notify Australia of its activities beforehand, accusing the federal government of exaggerating the incident. Concurrently, the Australian Coalition announced this week that it would spend at least AUD 3 billion to acquire an additional 28 advanced F-35 fighter jets in response to China's growing assertiveness.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also declined to comment on reports that the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea received notification of the live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea two weeks prior. Albanese stated that throughout their voyage, the Chinese warships have been monitored by Australian or New Zealand ships and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Department of Defence stated today that it will continue to monitor the Chinese task force as long as they remain within Australia's maritime approaches.