Chinese Warships Detected Off Sydney’s Coast
The Australian Navy is closely monitoring three Chinese warships sailing 150 nautical miles east of Sydney. This marks the furthest a Chinese naval task group has ventured down Australia’s eastern coastline.
The fleet includes:
- Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang
- Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi
- Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu
Two Australian warships are trailing the Chinese fleet, keeping a watchful eye on their movements.
Increased Maritime Tensions
The Chinese warships near Sydney arrived just days after a tense encounter in the South China Sea. A Chinese fighter jet released flares in front of an Australian P-8 military aircraft, a move Defence Minister Richard Marles called “unsafe.”
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Marles responded by ordering the Australian Navy and Air Force to keep the vessels under close surveillance. He stated:
“We are keeping a close watch on them and we will be making sure that we watch every move.”
He also confirmed that after the mission, the Australian Defence Force would assess China’s intentions.
Strategic Timing and US Presence
The Chinese warships near Sydney appeared as Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, visited Australia. Paparo met Defence Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra, discussing regional security and China’s increasing military activities.
China’s navy has not entered Australian territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coastline. However, they remain within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles. Under international law, foreign naval vessels can operate in an EEZ without breaching sovereignty.
Figure 2: An estimated location of Chinese warships monitored by Australia’s Navy.
Growing Concerns Over Australia’s Security
Defence analysts warn that the presence of Chinese warships near Sydney highlights vulnerabilities in Australia’s maritime security and supply chains.
David Uren, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), stated:
“With limited resources and finite defence capability, yet vast interests at sea, it’s important that Australian security and economic planning is trained on the most critical pain points in our sea lines of communication.”
Security expert Jamie Seidel warned that Australia’s vast trade routes remain exposed. He noted that an adversary could disrupt essential imports and exports, using military coercion at a distance.
‘Rules-Based Order’ at Risk
Australian officials emphasised the need to uphold international laws governing naval operations. Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, warned of rising global security challenges. He stated:
“I do think that we’re in a … more challenging circumstance than we’ve ever been since 1945. And I include the height of the Cold War.”
Conroy stressed that Australia’s prosperity and security depend on a rules-based order, which all nations must respect.
China’s Justification and Previous Naval Activities
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, refused to comment on the Chinese warships near Sydney. However, previous Chinese media reports suggested the warships were conducting “real-combat” exercises in the Pacific.
This is not the first time Chinese military vessels have approached Australia’s coastline. Notably:
- 2019: Chinese naval ships visited Sydney Harbour with the Australian government’s approval.
- 2023: A Chinese ship allegedly deployed sonar near Australian navy divers, sparking diplomatic tensions.
- 2024: A Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian patrol aircraft in the South China Sea.
US Warnings About China’s Military Intentions
US Admiral Samuel Paparo has repeatedly warned about China’s military ambitions, particularly regarding Taiwan. Speaking at the Honolulu Defense Forum, Paparo said:
“These are not exercises; they are rehearsals.”
He stressed that China’s growing naval presence signals preparations for a potential blockade or invasion of Taiwan.
China’s military drills near Taiwan in October 2024 further escalated tensions. The Chinese Communist Party considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out military action to reclaim it.
What’s Next?
The Australian Defence Department released a statement confirming it routinely monitors all maritime traffic in its Exclusive Economic Zone. It added:
“Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, under international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Australian officials have not accused China of violating international laws. However, analysts argue that China’s increased naval movements signal strategic messaging towards Australia and its allies.
As the Chinese warships near Sydney continue their voyage south, Australia remains on high alert, ensuring its maritime security is not compromised.
