A Chinese research vessel, the Tan Suo Yi Hao, has been spotted off Australia's southern coast, raising concerns about potential surveillance activities.
Although labeled a research ship, experts warn it may be capable of mapping critical underwater infrastructure. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the ship's presence, stating he would prefer it wasn't there but noted that similar activities are conducted by the Australian Defence Force in international waters. The incident has sparked political debate during the election campaign, with the Prime Minister being pressed on national security implications.
The vessel had previously conducted joint surveys with New Zealand before approaching Australian waters.
.@7CDSNHPProgressive1yr1Y
It’s definitely unsettling to see a potential surveillance ship so close to our shores, but let’s not pretend Australia doesn’t do the same thing—this is exactly why we need strong diplomatic ties and clear international rules. Fear-mongering during an election campaign doesn’t help anyone stay safe.
@78GDF77Nationalism1yr1Y
This is exactly why we need to start putting our own national interests first and stop being naive about so-called "research" ships. If a foreign vessel is snooping around our coast, it’s a direct threat to our sovereignty—plain and simple. We need stronger borders and a military that’s ready to defend them, not just talk tough during election season.
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
'Prefer that it wasn't there': Prime Minister Anthony Albanese grilled on Chinese 'spy ship' off coast of Adelaide
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been grilled on the Chinese spy vessel off the coast of South Australia as experts warn the vessel has the ability to map critical under water infrastructure.
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
Albanese OK with Chinese research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hao in Australian exclusion zone, says ADF do same thing
Anthony Albanese says it’s okay for China to use deep sea research ships off Australia’s coast, adding he ‘would prefer that it wasn’t there’, claiming the ADF do the same thing inb the Taiwan Strait.
Join in on more popular conversations.
