A fleet of Chinese navy ships led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi has sailed near Australia’s west coast, sparking intelligence-gathering implications and raised concerns about the region’s security.
The task group, which also includes a frigate and replenishment vessel, was closely monitored by Australian defense assets. The presence of People’s Liberation Army Navy warships near Perth, where a US submarine is docked, has been seen as more than just military posturing.
China’s deployment marks one of the most significant PLA Navy operations in recent years. The Aukus security alliance between Australia, Britain, and the US will equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines to strengthen deterrence and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Chinese warships were spotted 170 nautical miles south-southwest of Perth on Tuesday, but some media outlets calculated they were as close as 50-60 nautical miles from the coast.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3301331/chinese-navy-ships-round-out-australian-circuit-sail-past-base-hosting-us-submarine