Chinese warships have embarked on a rare journey around Australia, raising concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.
Chinese naval exercises spark widespread attention
On 10th February, Australia’s military detected three Chinese warships in the Arafura Sea, near the northern coast. At first, there was no indication that these ships would take a route that brought them within 150 nautical miles of Sydney. In fact, their journey likely involves circumnavigating the entire Australian continent, as suggested by Defence Minister Richard Marles.
The warships first caught widespread attention on 21st February when nearly 50 commercial flights were diverted. This occurred after China announced that it would conduct live-fire exercises 640 kilometres off Australia’s east coast. While these exercises didn’t break international law, they stirred concerns about China’s intentions and sparked a national debate on how Australia should respond to Beijing’s growing military presence.
Political and public concerns over naval presence
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced questions on 28th February about whether the Chinese ships could be preparing for land strikes against Australia. These questions followed comments from former Home Affairs head Mike Pezzullo, who suggested the Australian Defence Force (ADF) should send fighter jets and submarines to monitor the Chinese vessels. Albanese, who aims to improve relations with China, dismissed these concerns. He stated that China had followed international law but criticised Beijing for giving little notice before the live-fire exercises. “We’ve made it very clear that we expect more notice to be given,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian defended the naval exercises, explaining that such activities were normal and part of routine training. He urged that no unnecessary alarm should be raised. “There should be no over-reading into this,” he said. Still, the sight of Chinese warships circling Australia has understandably sparked anxiety among the public.
Experts offer mixed opinions on the exercises’ significance
Analysts agree that China did not violate international laws. However, their views diverge on whether the public’s concerns are justified. Jennifer Parker, a maritime security expert, argued that the response has been disproportionate. “Some of the commentary – that this is an act of aggression or a rehearsal for a missile strike – is unhelpful and wrong,” she said. “We shouldn’t be worried about this. If we treat this as a crisis, we lose our ability to address a real one.”
Professor Peter Dean from the University of Sydney suggested that the exercises aimed to demonstrate China’s ability to target both Australia and New Zealand with sea-based attacks. He acknowledged that China had not broken laws but noted the lack of adequate notice. “This is a message of strength and power,” he said. “We shouldn’t overhype it, but it is unusual.”
Increasing defence spending and national security concerns
Most analysts agree that the exercises underscore the need for Australia to increase its defence spending, which currently stands at about 2 per cent of GDP. While China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, a 2024 poll by the Lowy Institute revealed that 71 per cent of Australians believe China will become a threat within the next 20 years.
Australia’s growing concerns were also highlighted by intelligence chief Mike Burgess in a 19th February speech. He warned of increasing risks from espionage and foreign interference. Without directly naming China, Burgess made it clear that Australia’s concerns should not be overlooked. “(China) can be left in no doubt where and what the issues are for us,” he said.
As the Chinese warships continue their journey around Australia, public unease is likely to grow. Political leaders will face mounting pressure to respond to these security concerns.
