Beijing’s second spy ship ‘surprise’

China has for the first time sent a second hi-tech spy ship to monitor large-scale military exercises in Queensland involving Australian and US forces.

Chinese spy ship Tianwangxing on Australia’s east coast after sailing through the Torres Strait. Picture: Twitter

China has for the first time sent a second hi-tech spy ship to monitor large-scale military exercises in Queensland involving Australian and US forces, surprising the federal government.

The Haiwangxing intelligence gathering vessel was being tracked on Sunday as it approached Queensland waters through the Solomon Sea.

It’s sister ship, the Tianwangxing, was already in place off Australia’s east coast after sailing through the Torres Strait.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the government had anticipated China’s interest in the exercise but not the second ship.

“We are surprised that there are two vessels but obviously the Chinese have made a decision to have a greater presence and we would expect them to operate and conduct themselves within the rules of international law,” he said.

Its approach came as Australian, US and Japanese forces participated in live-fire exercises at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, near Rockhampton.

Both vessels are Type-815 auxiliary general intelligence ships, fitted with large antenna-filled domes that collect signals intelligence and the telltale “signatures” of ­adversaries’ military equipment.

A senior Defence source said all forces participating in the ­exercise had taken prudent steps to safeguard their information security.

Mr Dutton said both vessels had acted lawfully and were expected to remain outside Australia’s territorial waters during the exercise, which will sharpen the interoperability of Australia’s forces with those of its allies. “Defence will continue to monitor the presence of these vessels. The presence of the Haiwangxing and Tianwangxing will not detract from this exercise.

“Australia respects the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same.”

Talisman Sabre commander Major General Jake Ellwood, said naval guns, fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery participated in co-ordinated live-fire drills. “We stepped up the complexity of training with combined strikes involving several participating nations,” he said.

Personnel from Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Britain are participating in Talisman Sabre 2021.