By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 10:48 GMT, 19 February 2025 | Updated: 10:57 GMT, 19 February 2025

Chinese warships have again been spotted off Australia’s east coast in what experts have described as a warning from Beijing. 

Two Australian navy ships trailed the Chinese naval task group 150 nautical miles, about 277 kilometres, off Sydney on Wednesday.

The sighting is the furthest down the east coast that Chinese ships have sailed without being on an official port visit.

It’s the second time within a week the Chinese warships have been spotted off Australia’s coast.

The Australian Defence Force confirmed last Thursday that officials were monitoring two People’s Liberation Army-Navy frigates and a replenishment vessel in the Coral Sea.

A former Australian naval officer said the latest sighting should serve as a warning to Australia. 

Chinese warships have again been spotted off Australia’s east coast. Pictured is The People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang in the Coral Sea last week

Experts have described the latest Chinese warship sighting as a warning from Beijing

‘It is of course sending a message to Australia’s about the PLA-N’s capability,’ UNSW Canberra adjunct fellow Jennifer Parker told The Australian.

‘We must become accustomed to these kind of operations. The lesson here is China has a bluewater capability, a point we already knew.

‘In the event of crisis or conflict, we should expect more operations in our region and likely interdiction of our maritime trade. This is why Australia should invest in a strong navy.’

More to come. 

:
Beijing delivers bombshell show of force off Australia’s largest city as Chinese warships are caught making never-before-seen move

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