Chinese Research Vessel Monitored by Australian Authorities
Prime Minister Albanese addresses the presence of the Tan Suo Yi Hao in Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the presence of the Tan Suo Yi Hao, a Chinese research vessel, in Australian waters, expressing a preference for its absence.
The vessel, described as a mothership capable of supporting smaller submarines, is currently located off the South Australian coast in the Great Australian Bight.
Albanese stated that the government is monitoring the situation closely but would not disclose additional details due to security reasons.
The Tan Suo Yi Hao entered Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Thursday and was reported to be approximately 460 nautical miles west-south-west of Adelaide.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the Defence Chief of Joint Operations, confirmed the monitoring of the vessel's movements, stating that the Australian Defence Force routinely oversees maritime traffic within the country’s maritime approaches.
The research vessel, measuring 94 meters in length, is operated by China’s Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering and is reportedly capable of conducting explorations to depths of 10,000 meters.
It has been labeled by some media as a 'spy ship' due to its dual-use capabilities for scientific research and intelligence collection.
Concerns have been raised by Australian officials regarding the implications of the vessel's presence, particularly in light of recent live-fire drills carried out by Chinese armed forces.
In response to Australian apprehensions, a spokesperson from China’s defence ministry characterized the concerns as exaggerated and stated that China's activities are in accordance with international law and do not pose a threat to aviation safety.
In Perth, Albanese emphasized his confidence in Australia’s defence and security agencies, reiterating the government's commitment to representing Australia's national interests while responding to the challenges posed by foreign military activities in the region.
The Department of Defence has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
The vessel, described as a mothership capable of supporting smaller submarines, is currently located off the South Australian coast in the Great Australian Bight.
Albanese stated that the government is monitoring the situation closely but would not disclose additional details due to security reasons.
The Tan Suo Yi Hao entered Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Thursday and was reported to be approximately 460 nautical miles west-south-west of Adelaide.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the Defence Chief of Joint Operations, confirmed the monitoring of the vessel's movements, stating that the Australian Defence Force routinely oversees maritime traffic within the country’s maritime approaches.
The research vessel, measuring 94 meters in length, is operated by China’s Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering and is reportedly capable of conducting explorations to depths of 10,000 meters.
It has been labeled by some media as a 'spy ship' due to its dual-use capabilities for scientific research and intelligence collection.
Concerns have been raised by Australian officials regarding the implications of the vessel's presence, particularly in light of recent live-fire drills carried out by Chinese armed forces.
In response to Australian apprehensions, a spokesperson from China’s defence ministry characterized the concerns as exaggerated and stated that China's activities are in accordance with international law and do not pose a threat to aviation safety.
In Perth, Albanese emphasized his confidence in Australia’s defence and security agencies, reiterating the government's commitment to representing Australia's national interests while responding to the challenges posed by foreign military activities in the region.
The Department of Defence has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
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