Australia and New Zealand monitor Chinese naval vessels near Sydney

Australia and New Zealand are closely monitoring a group of Chinese naval vessels spotted in international waters off the coast of Sydney, according to statements made by the countries’ defense ministers on Thursday.

The Australian Defense Ministry confirmed that three Chinese vessels are traveling down Australia’s eastern coast.

Minister of Defence, Richard Marles, spoke to Sky News, explaining that the vessels have been under surveillance since they approached Australian waters.

“We are keeping a close watch on them and ensuring that we track their every move,” Marles stated, adding that, while the vessels have not violated international law, their presence is being treated with caution.

Marles emphasized that while China has the right to operate in international waters, Australia also has the right to remain vigilant and monitor their actions. “It’s not an unprecedented situation, but it is unusual,” he remarked.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister, Judith Collins, also confirmed her country’s defense forces were keeping track of the vessels.

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She expressed concern, saying that New Zealand had not been informed by the Chinese government about the reasons behind the naval deployment or the vessels’ plans in the region.

“We will continue to monitor these vessels,” Collins stated in an interview with Radio New Zealand.

The appearance of the Chinese naval group follows a tense exchange between Canberra and Beijing earlier this month, over an incident involving a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian military plane.

During the encounter, a People’s Liberation Army aircraft released flares near a Royal Australian Air Force jet that was patrolling the disputed South China Sea.