ADF keeps ‘wary’ eye on Chinese spy ship

Scott Morrison says the government is keeping a close eye on a Chinese vessel Tianwangxing, sitting off the Queensland coast.

Tianwangxing, a Chinese auxiliary general intelligence vessel, has returned to waters off the Queensland coast.

A Chinese spy ship has arrived off the coast of Queensland to monitor a major military exercise with the United States, Japan and other allies – and is expected to remain there for up to a month.

The Tianwangxing, a People’s Liberation Army Navy surveillance vessel, is being closely monitored by Australian authorities after approaching the coast through the Torres Strait, Defence Minister Peter Dutton confirmed.

The Tianwangxing was gathering intelligence on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021, which got under way on Wednesday – as it had in 2017 and 2019.

“It’s a reminder of the ever-­present (PLA), particularly with their naval assets, within our region,” Mr Dutton said. “Obviously their tempo has ramped up dramatically. And this is why in-part it is very important for this operation to be a great success.”

The Tianwangxing, a Type 815 spy ship, is fitted with large domes containing parabolic antennas, which collect signals intelligence and the telltale “signatures” of ­adversaries’ military equipment.

It was in place off southern Queensland for the commencement of the biannual exercise, which will sharpen the interoperability of forces from Australia, the US, Japan, Canada, Britain and New Zealand.

Scott Morrison said the government was “very wary” of the Chinese ship, but Australia supported its right to freedom of navigation in international waters.

“They’re allowed to be there and the law says they can be there – the Law of the Sea – just like the law says we can be up in the South China Sea,” the Prime Minister told radio station 2SM.

“And so we would just simply say that we think the same tolerances and the same appreciation of those international laws should apply. Of course we watch them. And they are watching us.”

It’s understood the Australian Defence Force has been tracking the ship for weeks. The vessel is expected to remain just outside Australia’s territorial waters for the duration of the exercise, which runs until mid-August.

The vessel is expected to remain in Australia’s exclusive economic zone during that time.

Speaking at RAAF Base Amberley, south of Brisbane, Mr Dutton said Australia’s ability to operate with allied forces was “more important than it has ever been”. “I think most Australians understand this is a concerning period,” he said.

“We need to push back against the threats to our country, whether it is now or over the course of the next decade or two … We need to be realistic about what is happening within our own region and … our alliances will continue to deepen because our partners recognise that threat as well.”

Gavin Sundwall, the US charge d’affaires, said no two militaries worked more closely together than those of Australia and the US. “In the face of adversity, whether it be security concerns, combat operations or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, Talisman Sabre has proven to us time and time again that we are flexible and ready for anything,” Mr Sundwall said.

Rory Medcalf, the head of the Australian National University’s Nat­ional Security College, said the ship was gathering intelligence on the capabilities of Australia and its partners, and how they operated together.

“It signifies how seriously China takes the combined capabilities of the US and its allies,” Professor Medcalf said.

“They want to develop signatures they can match to real world contingencies.

“They are probably also very interested to see operating pro­cedures, and how effectively we work together.

“It is a reminder that China’s naval reach can quite easily extend to Australia now, and we can’t hide from the region.”

Talisman Sabre 2021 will incorporate amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.