Australia is monitoring the Chinese research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hao along its southern coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed a preference against its presence but acknowledged that such vessels operate under international law. Monitoring agencies remain vigilant, particularly after recent Chinese naval activities around Australia.

Australia is closely monitoring a Chinese research vessel, the Tan Suo Yi Hao, as it navigates along the southern coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his preference that the vessel was not present, yet acknowledged that under the current circumstances, such maritime activities are commonplace. He assured that the government would continue to track its movements closely.

The vessel, equipped with a deep-sea submersible, has been recorded passing the Victorian coastline after completing joint surveys in collaboration with New Zealand. Mr. Albanese remarked, “What our task is to do is to make sure that we represent Australia’s national interests…I have every confidence in our Defence Force and our security agencies to do just that.”

A representative from the Home Affairs Ministry affirmed that the activities of the Tan Suo Yi Hao are not unprecedented, noting similar vessels have operated in the area previously, including in 2020. The spokesperson confirmed that relevant agencies are monitoring the vessel’s activities actively.

This monitoring follows China’s recent extensive naval operations around Australia, which included live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. Mr. Albanese indicated the possibility that the Chinese vessel would trace a path along Australia’s southern coastline before returning to its home port in China.

Although the exact nature of the research being conducted by Tan Suo Yi Hao remains undisclosed, analysts speculate that the submersible may be mapping critical underwater environments, potentially including areas related to a significant submarine cable linking Sydney and Perth. Recent reports suggest that the vessel’s submersibles successfully reached the bottom of the Puysegur Trench in collaboration with New Zealand scientists for research purposes.

In conclusion, the Australian government remains vigilant regarding the presence of the Chinese research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hao. While Prime Minister Albanese expressed a preference for its absence, he reaffirmed the commitment to monitor its movements as part of national interests. Continuous tracking of maritime activities in Australian waters highlights the importance of security and regional awareness amidst growing international maritime interactions.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au

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