Recently, geopolitical tensions have increased in the Indo-Pacific as Australia‘s defence forces discovered three Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warships (PLAN), sailing in the Coral Sea to the northeast of Australia. Beijing has accused Australia of invading what it considers to be its “territorial” airspace above the contested Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
China’s growing naval presence
China is demonstrating its increasing capability to expand its naval power and project its influence far beyond the immediate shoreline. China has the largest fleet in the world, measured by the number of hulls. This means that China is increasingly deploying into the Pacific Ocean. A Chinese naval flotilla’s visit to Vanuatu in the South Pacific shows this expanding reach.
South China Sea Disputes
South China Sea continues to be a source of controversy. China has claimed sovereignty over large portions of the South China Sea, and even built islands that are equipped with military bases. It has also exacerbated tensions between China and other nations, like Australia. Australia is a major ally of the United States. They participate in joint naval drills to protect freedoms of navigation.
The Naval Deployment Details
Australian Defence Forces (ADF), confirmed the presence in Coral Sea of a Chinese Naval Task Group. The group consisted of the Type 055 CNS destroyer. Zunyi The Type 054A CNS frigate is a guided-missile destroyer. Hengyang A guided missile frigate, and the Type 903 CNS replenishment ship Weishanhu The ADF statement emphasized that Australia respects the right to freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. In a statement, the ADF emphasized Australia’s respect for international law and freedom of navigation.
Although the ADF did not provide the precise distance that the Chinese vessels were from Australia’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea, it does monitor maritime traffic and maritime approaches within Australia’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
China Global Television Network reported that the Chinese ships conducted an “advanced sea combat exercise” during Chinese New Year in the Pacific Ocean before their passage near Australia.
The South China Sea Aerial Incident
ADF reports an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” interaction with an Australian P-8A naval patrol aircraft over international airspace in the South China Sea. During a routine surveillance patrol, the Australian aircraft was intercepted by two Chinese J-16 fighter jets, one of which released flares dangerously close – within 30 meters (98 feet) – of the Australian plane. Despite the fact that no one was injured or any damage to property occurred, Australia filed formal complaints in Canberra and Beijing with both the Chinese and Australian militaries.
China’s Foreign Ministry claimed that “the Australian aircraft” was “deliberately intruded“, which the Chinese military described as taking legitimate steps to expel this aircraft.
Official Statements
Australian Defence Ministry “For decades the [Australian Defence Force] The region has carried out maritime surveillance operations in accordance to international law. It also exercises the rights of freedom of navigation, overflight and international airspace in order to exercise the right. Australia is committed to freedom of movement operations in accordance with international law.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles The interaction was not professional and safe, as we expected. The Australian concern for the professionalism and safety of military interaction is evident.
Guo Jiakun is the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry. “China made solemn representations in Australia demanding Australia cease its provocations, stop its violations and to stop undermining the peace and stability of South China Sea. The statement is a reflection of China’s position and demands to Australia.
Future implications
China’s increased naval presence and assertiveness in the South China Sea, as well as its increasing posture in Pacific Ocean are expected to continue. This has implications for the regional stability and security. Along with allies such as Australia and the United States, they remain focused on upholding freedom of movement in the area.