The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is intensifying its surveillance of a People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) task force navigating near Australia's maritime borders. The task force, consisting of three Chinese warships, entered Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) east of Hobart, approximately 296 kilometres from the coast. This development has prompted both Australia and New Zealand's militaries to monitor the situation closely, particularly following disruptions to international flights caused by PLA-N's live-fire exercises.
The PLA-N Task Group 107, comprising the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Defence Department has released new images of these warships. Aviation officials became aware of the potential live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea after a Virgin Airlines pilot reported mid-flight warnings via an emergency radio frequency.
"PLA-N Task Group 107, comprised of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating approximately 160 nautical miles (296 kilometres) east of Hobart," – Defence Department
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the actions took place outside Australia's economic zone and acknowledged that notice had indeed been given. However, he emphasized that a more advanced warning could have mitigated the disruption. Ed Husic, a government frontbencher, reiterated that while navies have the right to navigate international waters, they should provide adequate notice of any potentially hazardous activities.
In response to these developments, the Defence Department stressed the importance of transparency and professionalism among all military forces operating in the region. They also reaffirmed Australia's commitment to respecting international law concerning freedom of navigation and overflight.
"We respect the right of all states under international law to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same." – Defence Department
The ADF is collaborating with New Zealand's military to jointly track the PLA-N flotilla. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and ensuring that any military activity adheres to the highest standards of safety.
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