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Defence is “surprised” by the approach of a second Chinese surveillance vessel, approaching the east coast to monitor interopability training between Australia and the US.
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A second People’s Liberation Army Navy General Intelligence Ship, Haiwangxing, has been spotted approaching the country’s east coast amid multinational military exercises conducted as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21).
Haiwangxing’s approach comes just days after sister ship, Tianguanxing, was detected.
According to Defence, the vessels have not approached the TS21 training area together, with Tianguanxing approaching Australian shores via the Torres Strait, while Haiwangxing approached via the Solomon Sea.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the approach of the first ship was expected, given the presence of similar vessels during TS17 and TS19, but added that Haiwangxing’s arrival was not anticipated.
“We're surprised that there are two vessels, but obviously the Chinese have made a decision to have a greater presence and we would expect them to operate and conduct themselves within the rules of international law,” he told the media.
The minister said this was a reminder of the changing dynamic in the Indo-Pacific, and the ramp up in China’s military presence.
“The Chinese have invested in all of their assets. They have a production line of submarines and frigates that we've not seen since wartime and we need to be very conscious of that,” he added.
“There's been a militarisation of bases across the Pacific and elsewhere around the world, and Australia needs to make sure we do whatever we can to maintain peace in our region.”
The surveillance vessels are not expected to disrupt TS21 activities.
TS21 involves a field training exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvre, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.
Other nations joining the exercise include the UK, Canada and New Zealand, and observer nations France and India.
Most of the international forces will take part exclusively offshore, with 5,000 personnel participating as part of a US Navy Expeditionary Strike Group.
Defence bases and a range of training areas across central and north-east Queensland will host the exercises.
The exercise will run over the coming weeks, wrapping up on 31 July.
