Australia is deploying a powerful warship to the Pacific region in what is expected to be a test for improved defence communications with China.
The four-month mission by HMAS Sydney was announced after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed to better communication between the countries after meetings in Canberra this week.
The Australian Defence Department said the deployment of HMAS Sydney, a Hobart class guided-missile destroyer, would include enforcing United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
Seven weeks ago in the Yellow Sea, a Royal Australian Navy helicopter had flares dropped on it by a Chinese fighter jet while conducting the same UN mission.
It triggered condemnation by Canberra, with government ministers describing the action by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army air force pilot as reckless and unprofessional.
In his talks with the Chinese premier, Albanese also raised last year’s incident when Australian navy divers were injured due to a Chinese warship operating its sonar device nearby when they were in the water.
Li departed Australia as videos and photos of clashes between Chinese coastguard personnel and navy personnel from the Philippines during a confrontation in the South China Sea were released.
The Philippines said Monday’s interception by Chinese vessels left two of its ships damaged and sailors injured, including one who lost a thumb
China accused of ‘piracy’ after boats rammed, guns stolen in disputed sea
The confrontation attempted to disrupt a resupply mission to the Filipinos manning the territorial outpost on the grounded ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
The Australian government said it was gravely concerned by the Chinese actions.
“This is an escalation in a pattern of deeply concerning and destabilising behaviour by China,” a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
“This conduct endangers peace and security in the region, threatens lives and livelihoods, and creates risks of miscalculation and escalation.”
