Canberra (Australia), 26 February (HS): Recent movements of Chinese warships have raised concerns in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The Australian Defense Force reported on 25 February that the Weishanhu, a warship of the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group 107, was sighted in the country's exclusive economic zone in the early hours, about 160 nautical miles (296 km) east of Hobart. Earlier, three Chinese warships conducted an unusual series of live-fire exercises in the waters off Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Defense Force said the exercise was carried out by the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zuni and the Fuqi-class. On this maritime military move, the force said it has coordinated with the New Zealand Defense Force to counter Beijing's moves.

The Australian Defense Force has expressed hope that the forces of all countries active in the water sector will combat this movement in a transparent manner.

The Japan Times quoted Australia's Director General of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, as saying that this action by Beijing is part of its provocation strategy. It is natural that this move of China has an impact on Japan. Several civilian flights had to be diverted during China's unusual series of live-fire exercises in the sea between Australia and New Zealand.

Andrew Shearer told a parliamentary committee earlier this week that Canberra had speculated that Beijing might target Australia, Japan and New Zealand. In recent years, China's military has encroached on Japanese waters and airspace.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar