Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025
Outside the box.
Chinese Naval Flotilla Enters Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone Near Tasmania
Three Chinese warships tracked by Australian and New Zealand forces after entering maritime zone near Hobart.
Three Chinese warships have re-entered Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and are currently operating approximately 300 kilometers east of Tasmania.
The Australian Defence Department has confirmed collaboration with New Zealand's military to monitor the movements of the vessels, which belong to the People's Liberation Army Navy.
This development arises amidst heightened scrutiny in Canberra regarding the operational transparency of foreign militaries in the region.
The Exclusive Economic Zone extends from 22 kilometers to 370 kilometers from the Australian coastline, granting Australia jurisdiction and sovereign rights over the maritime area.
The Defence Department emphasized the expectation for all militaries in the area to uphold transparency and maintain safety standards, promoting open communication to foster regional security and stability.
In a statement, Defence highlighted the importance of respecting the rights of all states under international law to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters and airspace.
This incursion by the Chinese warships follows a recent incident on Friday that led to significant disruptions in air traffic.
Airservices Australia reported that 49 flights were redirected after receiving warnings about hazardous activity conducted by the Chinese navy, which included live-fire operations in a busy air corridor.
During a parliamentary hearing, Airservices Australia revealed that it received initial notification about the live-fire exercises from Virgin Australia, which reported that a foreign warship was broadcasting warnings about hazardous activities 300 nautical miles east of the Australian coast.
Following this alert, air traffic control initiated a hazard alert, notifying flights in the vicinity within minutes of becoming aware of the potential threat.
Rob Sharp, the chief executive of Airservices Australia, confirmed that the initial warning came shortly after 9:58 AM on Friday.
By approximately 10:00 AM, the organization coordinated with Defence Joint Operations Command to provide an update on the situation, although officials were initially uncertain about it being a potential hoax.
In response to these events, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured that the Australian military was informed of the situation promptly after the threat alert was received.
He indicated that he had discussions with the chief of the defence force regarding the unfolding incident.
This live-fire exercise and subsequent maritime activity occur in the context of rising tensions between Australia and China, including a notable confrontation earlier this year, where a Chinese fighter jet discharged flares near an Australian surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea.
The Australian Defence Department has confirmed collaboration with New Zealand's military to monitor the movements of the vessels, which belong to the People's Liberation Army Navy.
This development arises amidst heightened scrutiny in Canberra regarding the operational transparency of foreign militaries in the region.
The Exclusive Economic Zone extends from 22 kilometers to 370 kilometers from the Australian coastline, granting Australia jurisdiction and sovereign rights over the maritime area.
The Defence Department emphasized the expectation for all militaries in the area to uphold transparency and maintain safety standards, promoting open communication to foster regional security and stability.
In a statement, Defence highlighted the importance of respecting the rights of all states under international law to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters and airspace.
This incursion by the Chinese warships follows a recent incident on Friday that led to significant disruptions in air traffic.
Airservices Australia reported that 49 flights were redirected after receiving warnings about hazardous activity conducted by the Chinese navy, which included live-fire operations in a busy air corridor.
During a parliamentary hearing, Airservices Australia revealed that it received initial notification about the live-fire exercises from Virgin Australia, which reported that a foreign warship was broadcasting warnings about hazardous activities 300 nautical miles east of the Australian coast.
Following this alert, air traffic control initiated a hazard alert, notifying flights in the vicinity within minutes of becoming aware of the potential threat.
Rob Sharp, the chief executive of Airservices Australia, confirmed that the initial warning came shortly after 9:58 AM on Friday.
By approximately 10:00 AM, the organization coordinated with Defence Joint Operations Command to provide an update on the situation, although officials were initially uncertain about it being a potential hoax.
In response to these events, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured that the Australian military was informed of the situation promptly after the threat alert was received.
He indicated that he had discussions with the chief of the defence force regarding the unfolding incident.
This live-fire exercise and subsequent maritime activity occur in the context of rising tensions between Australia and China, including a notable confrontation earlier this year, where a Chinese fighter jet discharged flares near an Australian surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea.
