The Australian Defence Force Monitors Chinese Navy Ships

Photo- The Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang was among the Chinese flotilla sailing east of Sydney. (Department of Defence)

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is monitoring three Chinese navy ships currently sailing east of Sydney. The vessels, identified as a Jiangkai-class frigate, a Renhai-class cruiser, and a Fuchi-class replenishment ship, were first spotted northeast of Australia last week and have continued their journey along the coast.

The ADF routinely monitors all maritime activity within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Reports indicate the ships are approximately 150 nautical miles east of Sydney.

This naval movement signals China’s growing ability to project military power off the Australian coastline. Similar Chinese flotillas have previously visited Pacific island nations, raising concerns about strategic stability in the region.

A comparable visit occurred in 2019 when Chinese navy ships entered Sydney Harbour in coordination with the Australian government. This current presence, however, coincides with a visit by the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, who has been meeting with Australian defence and foreign officials.

China’s military activities have intensified, with recent wargames around Taiwan and incidents in the South China Sea. Last week, a Chinese fighter jet released flares in front of an Australian military plane in what Australian officials described as a dangerous encounter. The Australian government has expressed its concerns to China, while Beijing has accused Australia of airspace intrusion.

China continues to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan, despite never having governed the island. These developments highlight the increasing complexity of regional security dynamics and reinforce the importance of Australia’s defence posture and strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific.