Chinese warships circle Australia, exposing its naval vulnerabilities
Chinese navy ship Baotou fires during drill (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
A fleet of Chinese navy vessels completed an unprecedented voyage around Australia, conducting live-fire drills and entering the country’s exclusive economic zone, raising concerns about national security and reliance on the US, reports The New York Times.
For nearly a month, three Chinese warships moved around the Australian coastline, at times sailing near Perth just after a US nuclear submarine docked at a nearby base. The ships also carried out live-fire exercises near commercial airspace, forcing nearly 50 civilian flights to reroute.
While Australian officials confirmed the mission was legal under international law, the operation marked the furthest south China’s navy had ventured.
Military analysts argue the incident has laid bare Australia’s weaknesses. "The Chinese are showing us up in our own backyard," said Marcus Hellyer, a former defense official. "We can’t even sail around our own country." Australia’s navy is at its weakest since World War II, with its two refueling tankers out of service for months. Meanwhile, the Chinese vessels had nearly as many missile launchers as Australia’s entire fleet combined.
Strategic message at a crucial time
The timing of the Chinese mission has fueled speculation. It coincided with a visit from a top US military commander and Australia’s upcoming federal election, where defense policy is expected to be a key issue.
"China’s navy is illustrating Australia’s vulnerability at the exact moment that the US is demonstrating American unreliability," wrote Peter Hartcher from The Sydney Morning Herald.
China, however, dismissed concerns. "As a major power in this region, it is normal for China to send vessels to different parts of the region to conduct various activities," said China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian.
Beijing has also been expanding its naval influence elsewhere, as seen in its growing military cooperation with Russia and Iran, which recently announced joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman.
Australia has committed to modernizing its navy, but the results may not be visible until the 2030s. Meanwhile, experts warn that the era of viewing security threats as distant is over.
"We’ve always thought of conflict as something we choose to engage in overseas," said naval expert Jennifer Parker. "Now, it’s happening much closer to home."
