iscover
A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) task group has moved to sailing within 150 nautical miles (240 km) off the coast of Sydney, according to new information.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles confirmed that the movement was 'an unusual event'.
"We are keeping close watch on them and we will be making sure that we watch every move. And whenever this mission is over on the part of the Chinese task group, we will assess everything we have seen to make a proper assessment of exactly what they were trying to achieve through this mission," he said, speaking to Sky News on February 20.
"They're not doing anything that is contrary to international law. As we have surveilled them from the moment that they came close to Australia, they have been abiding by international law.
"But there is no doubt that this is, not unprecedented, but an unusual event. And just as they have a right to be in international waters, which is what they are doing, we have a right to be prudent and to make sure that we are surveilling them, which is what we are doing. So, you know, early on here I instructed that we needed to have assets, our own frigates and air assets, making sure that we are watching every move that they take.
"They're not a threat in the sense that they are engaging in accordance with international law. But it is important that we understand exactly what is happening here and we will make sure that we look at every move they make to have a very clear assessment of what this on the part of the Chinese is seeking to achieve."
The Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that Australia is currently negotiating a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea as an upgrade to a Status of Forces Agreement with PNG which dates right back to 1977.
Earlier this week, Defence released a statement on 13 February confirming that a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) task group was operating to the north-east of Australia.
“Defence can confirm the Chinese vessels are the PLAN Jiangkai Class frigate named Hengyang; the PLAN Renhai cruiser named Zunyi and the PLAN Fuchi Class replenishment vessel Weishanhu,” according to the separate statement.
“Defence routinely monitors all maritime traffic in our exclusive economic zone and maritime approaches. The vessels travelled through Southeast Asia, before entering Australia’s maritime approaches. One of the vessels, the Hengyang, transited the waters to Australia’s north.
“Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, just as we expect others to respect Australia’s right to do the same.
“Defence will continue to monitor the activities of the task group in Australia’s maritime approaches with a combination of capabilities, including air and maritime assets.”
