A group of Chinese navy vessels, including a powerful warship, sailing in the Tasman Sea has sparked alarm in Australia and New Zealand due to their presence in unusually southern waters on an undisclosed mission. The ships have been closely monitored by Australian officials since they were detected off the northeast coast, with this week seeing them travel within 150 nautical miles of Sydney but outside territorial waters.
Australia’s Defense Minister, Richard Marles, stated that the Chinese ships were operating within international law but described their presence near Sydney as both unusual and unprecedented. While the ships have not publicly commented on their mission, Australian officials are closely observing their activities by sea and air.
Experts have expressed concerns about China’s history of exerting force in disputed waters like the South China Sea and flouting maritime rules. One of the Chinese ships involved is a formidable Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, meant to demonstrate China’s naval power and military capabilities.
Both Australia and New Zealand are jointly monitoring the ships’ movements, with New Zealand’s defense minister expressing concern about the lack of communication from China and the tense situation since China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in September.
This recent naval presence by China in the southern waters near Australia and New Zealand has raised questions and uncertainties about the motives behind the mission, with experts suggesting it may be a signal of China’s military capabilities and a message to countries like Australia and the U.S. about its naval power.
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