Chinese navy ships round out Australian circuit with sail past base hosting US submarine
A Chinese naval fleet, led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi, is nearing completion of its unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia. This voyage included sailing near a strategically sensitive defense facility off Western Australia, raising concerns about intelligence gathering.
The Australian Defence Force has been closely monitoring the fleet, which also includes a frigate and a replenishment vessel, providing regular updates on its location. The deployment coincides with increased US-Australia cooperation under the Aukus defense pact, with a US Navy submarine currently docked at a naval base near Perth. Some analysts believe the Chinese operation goes beyond military posturing, representing a significant PLA Navy presence closer to Australian shores than ever before.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
A Chinese naval fleet, led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi, is nearing completion of its unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia. This voyage included sailing near a strategically sensitive defense facility off Western Australia, raising concerns about intelligence gathering.
The Australian Defence Force has been closely monitoring the fleet, which also includes a frigate and a replenishment vessel, providing regular updates on its location. The deployment coincides with increased US-Australia cooperation under the Aukus defense pact, with a US Navy submarine currently docked at a naval base near Perth. Some analysts believe the Chinese operation goes beyond military posturing, representing a significant PLA Navy presence closer to Australian shores than ever before.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
