Chinese spy ship spotted near war games, Australia says
Vessel stayed outside territorial waters but was inside exclusive economic zone in move Australian defence officials described as ‘provocative’
The Chinese navy’s newest and most advanced spy ship has been seen near waters where a joint military exercise between Australian and US forces is under way, Australia’s defence department said on Saturday.
China’s defence ministry didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry from the South China Morning Post. Australian defence officials told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the move was “provocative” and sent an unfriendly message.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 815 Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence vessel was operating off the northeast coast of Australia, though it remains out of the country’s territorial waters, the Australian department said.
“The Chinese vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside the Australian exclusive economic zone in the Coral Sea,” it said.
