Australian P-8 aircraft tracks four Chinese warships north of Palau
Defence has confirmed that one of its surveillance planes is monitoring four Chinese warships operating in the Philippine Sea, which could “possibly” make their way closer towards Australia.
Appearing at a senate estimates hearing, Chief of Defence Admiral David Johnston has given more details of a People’s Liberation Army-Navy task group which is currently operating around 500 nautical miles north of Palau.
“We are aware the task group is composed of four ships, a Yushen landing helicopter dock assault, a Renhai-class cruiser, a Jiangkai-class frigate and Fuchi-class replenishment vessel,” Admiral Johnston told the committee.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“An Australian P-8 observed the task group on the evening of the second of December in the Philippine Sea, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Palau”.
“I have previously stated that we have seen a greater PLA Navy presence in our immediate region in recent years, and we do expect to see future PLA in extended area deployments.
Admiral Johnston said the ADF would continue to monitor this task group “as we learn more about its direction, its purpose and an intent”, but did not reveal if the warships appeared to be moving closer to Australia.
Asked if the task group was likely to head into Australian waters, the Defence Chief said it was “possible” and insisted he was “very confident in our capacity, alongside our partners, to monitor the movements of the task group”.
“If they move into the southwest Pacific, we would work with our Pacific partners in that area, the French in New Caledonia, PNG - so it very much depends on where the ships might proceed. Of course, we work closely with the United States at all times.”
Overnight a New Zealand-based company that provides monitoring expertise for governments and insurers worldwide, has published images appearing to show the Chinese flotilla operating in the Philippine Sea.
Earlier this week Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the ADF was monitoring the PLA-N task group saying: “We maintain a constant maritime domain awareness in our geographic areas of interest.”
