Australian defence officials are closely monitoring a Chinese naval flotilla that could potentially enter the nation’s waters before Christmas, marking the second such incident this year involving vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N).
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Australian Department of Defence and security agencies are actively tracking the flotilla of military ships belonging to the Chinese Communist Party’s naval forces as they navigate toward the region.
The development echoes a similar situation that unfolded in February, when three CCP-controlled vessels circumnavigated the Australian continent and conducted live-fire military exercises in the Tasman Sea. That incident forced aviation authorities to divert 49 commercial passenger flights to ensure public safety during the naval operations.
According to exclusive images obtained from sources who spoke with The Epoch Times, the current flotilla consists of two PLA warships accompanied by a supply vessel. The images, courtesy of Japan’s Ministry of Defence, show the vessels as they move through regional waters toward their suspected destination.
The timing of this potential naval approach has raised concerns among Australian defence officials, particularly given the proximity to the holiday season when commercial and civilian maritime traffic typically increases around Australian ports and coastal areas.
Australia maintains a policy of freedom of navigation in international waters, but closely monitors all foreign military vessels that operate near its territorial boundaries. The February incident demonstrated the potential for such operations to significantly impact civilian aviation and maritime activities in the region.
Defence officials have not disclosed the specific timeline or exact location where the flotilla might enter Australian waters, but the confirmation from Minister Marles indicates that contingency plans are being prepared to manage any potential disruptions to commercial operations.
The ongoing surveillance of Chinese naval movements reflects the broader strategic tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, where multiple nations maintain significant military presences and conduct regular patrols through international shipping lanes.
As the situation continues to develop, Australian authorities are coordinating with regional allies and international partners to ensure appropriate monitoring and response capabilities remain in place throughout the holiday period.
