Chinese Ambassador Affirms Continued Naval Exercises Near Australia

The Chinese ambassador, Xiao Qian, has indicated that Beijing will persist with its naval deployments close to Australia. He described these deployments as a standard practice for a major power operating around the world and stressed that China's presence in international waters should not be viewed as a threat to Australia, a nation it considers a strategic partner.

Addressing recent concerns, Ambassador Xiao Qian discussed a live-fire exercise conducted in the Tasman Sea that disrupted commercial flights. He argued that the PLA Navy's activities were performed in accordance with international law, noting that the exercise was preceded by sufficient public notifications and aligned with common practices observed by navies globally.

When asked if the deployment of Chinese warships might be a response to Australia's freedom of navigation exercises or an attempt to send a political message ahead of the federal election, the ambassador refrained from making definitive comments. Instead, he affirmed that the presence of Chinese naval vessels in the area is simply part of routine training and operational activities customary among global navies.

Additionally, Australian defense officials remain alert to the evolving situation. While encouraging calm, they have observed that increased naval visits might become more frequent as China continues to expand its maritime activities to assert its regional and global interests.