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Clara Montgomery
China’s Naval Activities: Assurance of No Threat to Australia
China asserts its navy poses no threat to Australia, despite increased warship visits. The Chinese ambassador defends recent military drills and emphasizes routine naval practices. Australia remains vigilant as it tracks the PLA-N task group, expecting more frequent naval interactions in the future.
China’s navy will continue to visit Australian waters, yet insists it does not pose a threat to Australia. In an exclusive interview with the ABC, Ambassador Xiao Qian stated that there is no need for China to apologize for its recent live-fire drill in the Tasman Sea, which disrupted numerous commercial flights. He emphasized that international law does not require extensive prior notification for such military exercises.
Ambassador Xiao described the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) taskforce as a well-regarded naval unit, asserting that their deployment is standard procedure for major powers worldwide. He remarked that China’s naval activities are intended for training and rehearsals, framing these operations as normal for various navies. He urged observers not to over-read into the presence of the taskforce, which he described as disciplined.
The ambassador declined to confirm if the timing of the warships’ arrival, coinciding with Australia’s federal election, was intentional. He reiterated that China does not interfere in foreign democratic processes. Furthermore, Xiao stated it is typical for a major regional power to deploy naval assets around the globe as part of routine operations.
In response to mounting concerns, Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles advised citizens to remain calm regarding the activities of the PLA-N task group, which is currently being monitored as it travels along the southern coast. Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty indicated that Australians should expect an increase in visits from Chinese warships in the years to follow. He underlined China’s ambition to assert its influence as a significant maritime power in various international waterways.
In summary, China’s navy maintains its stance that it does not pose a threat to Australia, even as it plans to increase its naval presence in the region. Ambassador Xiao Qian has firmly dismissed the need for any apologies regarding recent military drills, whilst Australia tracks these developments closely. The situation illustrates ongoing strategic complexities between the two nations and raises implications for regional stability moving forward.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
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