The Australian military is closely monitoring a Chinese naval task group conducting operations off the country’s east coast, in what officials describe as an “unusual” deployment. The warships, which include a missile cruiser, a frigate, and a supply vessel, have been traveling south through the Coral Sea and are now positioned just 150 nautical miles from Sydney.
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 confirmed that while the Chinese vessels are in international waters, the nature of their mission remains unclear. “It’s not unprecedented, but it is an unusual event,” Marles stated, adding that Australian naval forces are tracking the fleet’s movements.
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
New Zealand has also taken notice of the deployment, with Defense Minister Judith Collins confirming that her country’s military is monitoring the ships and working closely with Australia to assess China’s intentions. Collins stated that Beijing has not provided any information on the purpose of the mission.
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
This development follows heightened tensions between Australia and China in recent weeks. Last week, an Australian surveillance aircraft had a dangerous encounter with a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea, with Canberra accusing China of unsafe military conduct. Beijing, in turn, claimed the Australian plane had entered Chinese airspace illegally.
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
Further concerns were raised when the Chinese navy announced plans for live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, an exercise that led to commercial flights being rerouted. The lack of advance notice has drawn criticism from Australian officials, who say that China’s growing military footprint in the Pacific must be closely scrutinized.
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
The situation comes as the US Indo-Pacific Command’s top admiral visits Australia, underscoring growing defense cooperation between the two allies. While China insists its naval activity follows international law, the show of force has prompted Australia to strengthen its own military presence in the region.
