Chinese Spy Vessel Sighted Near Military Exercise

Cover image: USS Ronald Reagan during Exercise Talisman Saber. Image courtesy: US Department of Defense.

A Chinese surveillance vessel has been seen near Australian territorial waters during a military exercise.

China's new and highly advanced Dong-Diao-class intelligence ship has been reported close to the Queensland coast to the north east of the country - although not in Australian territorial waters.

It is where 30,000 troops are taking part in the three-week long Exercise Talisman Saber, currently involving forces from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Japan.

An Australian defence spokesperson said:

"The Chinese vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Coral Sea."

The statement went on to say that the appearance of the Type 815 vessel did not effect the exercise taking place.

Exercise Talisman Saber takes place every two years, and generally lasts between two weeks and a month.

The 2017 event involves over 20 ships and more than 200 aircraft, and ends this month.