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unusual chinese ships monitored by usual BS....

Australia on Thursday said it was monitoring the "unusual" presence of Chinese warships near its eastern coast.

"We are keeping a close watch on them, and we will make sure we are watching every move. It's not unprecedented. But it is an unusual event," Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News. 

Marles said the ships were being monitored but were not a threat and were "engaging in accordance with international law."

 

Three Chinese vessels spotted

A frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker belonging to the Chinese navy were first spotted last week off mainland Australia. They then took a path that brought them to the eastern coast.

The frigate then moved towards the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea. It was sailing within 150 nautical miles (240 km) of the coast of Sydney, the Financial Times newspaper reported.

Transgressions in the airspace above the South China Sea have become more frequent recently.

Last week, Australia chided China because its fighter jet dropped flares near an Australian air force plane patrolling the South China Sea.

In response, Beijing said Australia was "violating Chinese sovereignty and endangering Chinese national security."

In 2024, Canberra accused Beijing of intercepting its Seahawk helicopter by dropping flares in its path.

China is vying for more dominance in the region by forming relations with Pacific island nations. This has concerned the US and Australia, which have enjoyed influence in the region for years.

On Thursday, Marles is meeting with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea to discuss a defense treaty.

Edited by Richard Connor

 

https://www.dw.com/en/australia-says-unusual-chinese-ships-near-its-east-coast-not-a-threat/a-71678444

 

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

 

unusual....

Chinese naval 'live-fire' drills spark concern in Australia
Tanika Godbole with AFP, AP, Reuters

The drills sparked a warning to airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese however said there was no "imminent risk of danger."

Australia voiced concern Friday over Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises off its coast in the Tasman Sea.

"We will be discussing this with the Chinese, and we already have at officials level, in relation to the notice given and the transparency, that has been provided in relation to these exercises, particularly the live fire exercises," Foreign Minister Wong told Australian broadcaster ABC News.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later walked back some of his foreign minister's statement, saying the Chinese fleet alerted Australian officials about possible live fire drills, advising ships and planes to stay clear.

"This is activity that has occurred in waters consistent with international law," Albanese told reporters.

"There was no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets," he added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun the military drills were "safe" and "in accordance with relevant international laws."

 Flights alerted

Air traffic control agency Airservices Australia warned commercial pilots flying between Australia and New Zealand of a potential hazard in the airspace.

"The Civil Aviation Authority and Airservices Australia are aware of reports of live firing in international waters. As a precaution, we have advised airlines with flights planned in the area," air traffic control agency Airservices Australia said in a statement on Friday.

Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar said they have temporarily adjusted some flights between Australia and New Zealand.  

Australian and International Pilots Association Vice President Captain Steve Cornell, said it was unusual to have Chinese warships in this part of the ocean, but pilots often had to contend with unexpected obstacles like military drills, space debris or volcanic eruptions.

"That being said, it's a big bit of ocean and you would think that they could have parked somewhere less inconvenient whilst they flexed their muscles," he added. 

https://www.dw.com/en/chinese-naval-live-fire-drills-spark-concern-in-australia/a-71694424

 

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YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.