ADF on alert for Chinese spy ships monitoring Talisman Sabre exercises

Australia’s Defence Force will be on alert for Chinese surveillance vessels to emerge as the nation’s largest ever Talisman Sabre military war games begin.

Australia’s Defence Force will be monitoring for Chinese surveillance vessels to emerge as the nation’s largest ever Talisman Sabre military war games begin.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conducts his six-day visit to China, Australia will host the largest ever Exercise Talisman Sabre from Sunday until August 4.

Defence also confirmed any sighting of a Chinese military ship would not be "unusual or unexpected” during the military exercise.

“It would not be unusual or unexpected for China to monitor Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, as it has during previous iterations of this exercise. Defence monitors all traffic in our maritime approaches,” a Defence spokesperson confirmed to The Australian.

China has previously has sent spy ships to monitor the exercises in Queensland during the past three Talisman Sabres.

More than 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations are set to participate in activities across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said on Friday Mr Albanese should raise concerns about the live-fire exercises the Chinese navy conducted in the Tasman Sea this year.

An armoured personnel carrier roles off a landing craft during a beach assault in Queensland, Australia, while taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. Picture: 1st LT. Isaac Lamberth

“We see China as an important partner and we seek respectful engagement with the Chinese government and its people,’’ Senator Cash said.

“But that respect must go both ways.

“Earlier this year all Australians saw the reports of the Chinese Communist Party’s navy ships circumnavigating Australia.”

Mr Albanese said he was confident there would be “honest conversations about some of the disagreements that are there” between the two nations.

Australians in Queensland, NSW, the Northern Territory and Western Australia should expect to see an increased presence of heavy military convoys from July and the beginning of August.

Thousands of Australian and international military vehicles – including tanks, protected mobility vehicles, and logistics convoys – will be travelling between Defence bases, ports, airfields, and exercise locations.

Defence issued a statement, asking road users to:

· Keep a safe distance – especially from tracked vehicles and convoys.

· Do not attempt to overtake long military convoys.

· Follow all traffic management signage and escort vehicle instructions.

Originally published as ADF on alert for Chinese spy ships monitoring Talisman Sabre exercises