Australia has placed its defense forces on high alert after spotting a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy flotilla sailing south in the Philippine Sea. The flotilla includes the Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hainan, triggering concerns in Canberra reminiscent of the Chinese navy's unprecedented circumnavigation of the Australian continent nine months ago.
Canberra deployed a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to track the flotilla, reviving security concerns raised after an unprecedented circumnavigation of the Australian continent by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) fleet nine months ago.
US satellite images, first reported by Australian media on Wednesday, confirmed the presence of the Chinese warships and a nearby helicopter. Imagery also appeared to show the Hainan breaking formation and sailing away while the destroyer and the replenishment ship conducted a resupplying operation.
The Hainan is China's first 40,000-tonne landing helicopter dock and was commissioned in 2021. The fourth Type 075, the Hubei, went into service in August and recently completed drills elsewhere. The incident highlights the increasing activity of the Chinese navy in the region, drawing attention from Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Admiral David Johnston.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that this operation echoes the circumnavigation earlier this year, when the PLA fleet demonstrated its blue-water capabilities. Canberra's response underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the area.