THREE Chinese warships unexpectedly pulled into Sydney Harbour on Monday in a dramatic display of naval power, just days after it was revealed Australian Navy ships were followed transiting the South China Sea.
Hours before their arrival, Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe warned of the nation’s growing clout and military muscle.
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The General spoke sternly at the Shangri La Dialogue forum in Singapore, saying: “The People’s Liberation Army has no intention to cause anyone trouble but is not afraid to face up to troubles.
“Should anyone risk crossing the bottom line, the PLA will resolutely take action and defeat all enemies.”
Beijing has recently made territorial claims in the South China Sea in increasingly strident rhetoric.
The arrival came as a surprise to many as the Australian Government had made no public announcement.
The vessels have about 700 personnel on board and have docked at Garden Island for a four-day stopover.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE: ‘RECIPROCAL VISIT’
However, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the arrival of the warships had been planned for some time.
He said it was a “reciprocal visit” as Australian naval vessels had visited China, the ABC reported.
The prime minister added that although” it may have been a surprise to others, it certainly wasn’t a surprise to the Government.”
“[The Chinese vessels] were returning from counter-drug-trafficking operations in the Middle East and that is a further demonstration of the relationship we have.”
The Australian Defence Force confirmed the ships were a People’s Liberation Army-Navy frigate Xuchang, an auxiliary replenishment ship Luoma Hu and an amphibious vessel Kunlun Shan.
The Defence Force said: “Port visits are conducted by all navies to undertake basic logistics and resupply activities, low-level maintenance and provide valuable opportunities for crew respite.
“The Australian Government is committed to maintaining a long-term constructive relationship with China, founded on shared interests and mutual respect.”
‘SERIOUS SHOW OF PRESENCE’
However, Rory Medcalf – a national security expert at the Australian National University – expressed confusion over the official claims.
Taking to Twitter he wrote: “Sydney is hardly a convenient stopover on their way home … this looks like a serious show of presence in the South Pacific.
“Chinese naval visits to Australia have more typically been a lone frigate, not a task group with an amphibious assault ship and 700 personnel.”
Sydney is hardly a convenient stopover … this looks like a serious show of presence in the South Pacific.”
National security expert, Rory Medcalf
The Chinese Navy has a large maritime militia presence in the South China Sea to carry out operations just short of combat.
Tense stand-offs have occurred in the region between China and other powers such as the US over the disputed sea territory.
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