Three Chinese warships dock at Garden Island for four day visit
The Chinese navy sailed into Sydney Harbour today, surprising onlookers as three warships docked at Garden Island. It comes just days after Australian Navy pilots were lit up by lasers from Chinese fishing vessels over the South China Sea.
Three Chinese warships docked in Sydney Harbour yesterday in a move that was being interpreted by military analysts as a significant display of power in the region.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s frigate, landing platform and replenishment vessel docked at Garden Island with 730 sailors on board for a four-day stay — surprising most of Sydney.
“It is a clear symbol of their growing capability as a navy,” military analyst and RSL NSW president James Brown said.
“The fact that they can sail into Sydney with a task force on their way back from the Gulf of Aden shows they have an increased capability to stay at sea for long periods.”
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The display of Chinese naval power came on the 30th anniversary of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square massacre, when troops fired on civilians after weeks of protests.
It also comes just days after Australian Navy pilots were lit up by lasers from Chinese fishing vessels over the South China Sea.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is visiting the Solomon Islands to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific, said the arrival of the ships had been planned.
"It may have been a surprise to others but it certainly wasn't a surprise to the government," he said.
Mr Morrison said the ships “were returning from counter-drug trafficking operations in the Middle East and that is a further demonstration of the relationship we have.”
HMAS Melbourne visited China last month to take part in celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the PLA-Navy.
Last week, helicopters from HMAS Canberra had to land after they were targeted by lasers from Chinese vessels. A Chinese warship also shadowed the Australian vessel.
On Monday in Singapore, China’s Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe issued a strong warning over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, saying: “Should anyone risk crossing the bottom line, the PLA will resolutely take action and defeat all enemies.”
The 730 sailors currently in Sydney are not expected to follow the US Navy’s well-worn path to the city’s brothels — instead taking in the city’s sights.
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