Tracking Chinese Intelligence Ships Near Waters And Its Military Facilities, Australia: We Continue To Watch Them

JAKARTA - A Chinese intelligence ship is located off Australia's west coast within 50 nautical miles of a sensitive defense facility, Australia said on Friday, raising concerns amid an election campaign about China's assertive behavior in the region.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that although the Chinese Navy ship was not in Australian territorial waters, he said its presence was still a concern.

"This is obviously an intelligence ship and they saw us and we are keeping an eye on them," he told reporters.

Australia has been tracking the spy ship for the past week, as it sailed past the Harold E. Holt Naval communications station at Exmouth, which is used by Australian, US and allied submarines.

The Chinese Embassy in Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment in this regard.

It is known that Australia will hold a general election on May 21. The question of the national security threat posed by China has been a major campaign theme.

"I think it was an act of aggression. I think mainly because it has happened so far south," Defense Secretary Peter Dutton criticized at a news conference.

"It is close to military and intelligence installations on the west coast of Australia," he said.

Relations between the two major trading partners have been strained in recent years over a range of issues, including China's influence in Australia and the Pacific region.

Dutton questioned the 'strange timing' of the ship's appearance, although Home Secretary Karen Andrews refused to link it to the election campaign. Meanwhile, PM Morrison said a Chinese Navy ship had been off the coast of Australia before.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labor Party said it was waiting for an explanation from the government.

Chinese naval vessels have been tracked off Australia's northern and eastern coasts several times in recent years. The same Chinese vessel monitored an Australian Navy exercise with the US military off the east coast last year.

In February, China and Australia exchanged accusations over an incident in which Australia said one of its maritime patrol aircraft detected a laser aimed from a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel.

Regarding the latest incident, the Australian Department of Defense said in a statement, the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary Intelligence Ship named Haiwangxing traveled to the west coast, crossed into the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone on May 6, and came within 50 nautical miles of the communications station on May 11.

"I certainly don't believe that when you combine it with the many other acts of coercion, and the many statements that have been made that attack Australia's national interests, you can describe it as an act of bridge building or friendship," Mr. Morrison said.