Australia Accuses Chinese Navy: Australias prime minister, Anthony Albanese, hanational waters near Japan. The incident occurred on November 14 when Australian divers aboas accused the Chinese navy of engaging in dangerous, unsafe, and unprofessional conduct in interrd the HMAS Toowoomba were attempting to clear fishing nets from its propellers. Despite warnings of an ongoing diving operation, a Chinese destroyer approached, operating its sonar in a way that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers. The divers sustained minor injuries, and Australia has expressed serious concerns to the Chinese government over the incident. The situation adds tension to diplomatic relations, particularly after Albanese’s recent visit to Beijing to stabilize ties.
In an interview, Albanese expressed his concern about the incident and stated that one person suffered an injury due to China’s actions. However, he did not confirm whether he raised the issue with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their recent meeting at the APEC summit. The Australian prime minister emphasized that Australia has raised these concerns with China unequivocally, asserting that there is no misunderstanding about Australias view on the matter.
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The incident comes a week after Albanese’s landmark visit to Beijing, the first trip by an Australian leader in seven years, aimed at improving bilateral relations. In response to questions about the incident potentially impacting bilateral relations, Albanese emphasized that Australia disagrees with China’s actions and has the strongest objection. He stated that such events should not occur and reiterated Australias commitment to cooperating where possible but also expressing disagreement when necessary.
Australias Defense Minister Richard Marles issued a statement, explaining that the Australian government had expressed serious concerns to the Chinese government over what it deemed an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) destroyer. Medical assessments found the divers had sustained minor injuries, likely due to exposure to sonar pulses from the Chinese destroyer.
Chinas Foreign Ministry responded to the incident, stating that the Chinese military has always operated professionally based on international law and practices. The ministry called for relevant parties to stop causing troubles at Chinas doorstep and work together to safeguard the momentum of improving China-Australia relations.
The incident highlights the complexities in diplomatic relations between Australia and China, especially given recent efforts to stabilize ties. Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries professionally and safely. The situation may pose challenges in maintaining a cooperative relationship between the two nations, and how both governments handle the aftermath will likely influence the trajectory of their diplomatic interactions in the near future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Did Australia criticise China for unsafe unprofessional naval interaction?
The Australian government has raised concerns with China following an incident between an Australian navy vessel and a Chinese warship that resulted in injuries to Australian military divers. The interaction was deemed “unsafe and unprofessional” by officials. The government has expressed serious concerns over the incident and is seeking further information from China.
Did the Chinese Navy used sonar pulses against divers?
Last week, an Australian diver suffered injuries due to the use of sonar by a Chinese destroyer near an Australian frigate in international waters. Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed his serious concerns about the destroyer’s unsafe and unprofessional behavior to Beijing over the weekend.
Were Australian divers injured by Chinese sonar?
While working underwater, the divers were harmed by sonic blasts emitted from a Chinese destroyer’s sonar system. This system uses loud sound pulses to locate submarines, which can cause serious harm or even death to anyone in their vicinity.
Does Australia have a strong Navy?
With almost 50 commissioned vessels and a team of over 16,000 personnel, the Royal Australian Navy is a force to be reckoned with. We’re proud to be one of the largest and most advanced naval forces in the Pacific region, with a strong presence in the Indian Ocean. Our operations span the globe, supporting military campaigns and peacekeeping missions.