Three Chinese naval vessels are being closely tracked by the Australian and New Zealand militaries as they operate unusually far south along the Australian coast. The fleet, consisting of a missile cruiser, a frigate, and a supply ship, has drawn concern from defense officials, who are questioning Beijing’s intentions in the region.
3 Chinese Navy warships are currently sailing just 150 nautical miles off Sydeny, Australia.
Last week, an Australian Navy aircraft was dangerously intercepted by a Chinese military helicopter. 1/3 @ElbridgeColby @TheresaAFallon pic.twitter.com/KdFjEvYH26
— Steve Anderson (@SteveAn71083739) February 20, 2025
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the presence of the warships off Australia’s east coast, noting that while their presence is legal under international law, such a maneuver is rare. Marles stated that Australian naval and air assets are actively monitoring the situation.
Why is the democratic world allowing China to assert freedom of navigation just 150 nautical miles off Sydney with its Type 055? The largest warship in the world, weighing 12,000 tonnes with 112 missile launchers. Australia should START flying spy planes into China’s backyard! pic.twitter.com/RE7mbQlzYs
— John Code (@Johncodemode) February 20, 2025
The Chinese task group had earlier passed through Southeast Asia and the Coral Sea before entering Australia’s exclusive economic zone. The sudden and unexplained appearance of the vessels has led to increased cooperation between Australian and New Zealand defense forces, with both nations keeping a close watch on the ships’ movements.
Australia warns airlines to beware of a Chinese Navy live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea
Australia warned international airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand to beware of Chinese warships conducting a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea, Foreign Minister… pic.twitter.com/o2BILxDD3w
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 21, 2025
New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins confirmed that her country is also tracking the Chinese warships. She expressed concern over the lack of communication from Beijing regarding their mission and future plans, adding that New Zealand would continue its surveillance efforts in coordination with Australia.
Australia & New Zealand 🇳🇿
🛑 Fun facts
One of three Chinese 🇨🇳 warships currently in the Tasman Sea is one of most powerful weighting in at about 12,000 tonnes & equipped with 112 missile tubes.
The Renhai class guided missile cruiser Zunyi has twice the fire power of any… https://t.co/Gl1UP1HKDL pic.twitter.com/qHYCtyQyOh— The Consultant (@TheConsultant18) February 21, 2025
This deployment follows a recent aerial confrontation between the Australian and Chinese militaries. An Australian surveillance plane was harassed by a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea, with each country blaming the other for the aggressive encounter.
Three Chinese warships have sailed to Sydney. They’re 150 miles off the coast…
Why are they here?
What do they want?
Is China threatening Australia with invasion? This seems a very dangerous situation @AlboMP @SenatorWong @RichardMarlesMP @PeterDutton_MP @sussanley pic.twitter.com/nkkPAqpPSJ
— Lisa (@Lisa9Sophia) February 19, 2025
With China increasing its naval presence far from its own territory, analysts suggest that Beijing may be signaling its ability to project power deep into the Pacific, a move that is being met with growing scrutiny from regional allies.
