Australia is “keeping close watch on” Chinese military ships traversing waters off its coast, Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, noted

The Australian and New Zealand militaries were monitoring three Chinese warships moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission, officials said yesterday. The Australian government a week ago said that the warships had traveled through Southeast Asia and the Coral Sea,

Three Chinese navy ships have charted a course along Australia’s eastern coast in a move described as ‘unusual’.

"A confronting strategic future is arriving fast. This flotilla will likely also visit Pacific island countries," an academic says.

Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australian ships and aircraft are working "very closely" with New Zealand's military to monitor a Chinese naval task force transiting south off the east coast of Australia, with the opposition labelling Beijing's behaviour "provocative."

The Australian and New Zealand militaries are monitoring three Chinese warships that are moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission

Australian officials said the ships were "off the east coast of Australia" and their presence there was unusual.