Australian Warship Sails Through South China Sea as China Claims “Full Monitoring”

An Australian naval warship sailed through the South China Sea despite warnings and monitoring by Chinese forces, highlighting ongoing tensions over freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most strategically contested waterways, according to reporting by the UK Defence Journal on February 24.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba conducted what Canberra described as a routine and lawful transit through the region on February 12.

The deployment formed part of Australia’s broader Regional Presence Deployment across the Indo-Pacific, aimed at strengthening cooperation with regional partners and maintaining maritime stability.

Australia’s Department of Defence said the passage was carried out fully in accordance with international law.

China claims full monitoring of the transit

Chinese state-backed outlet Global Times, citing an unnamed military source, said the People’s Liberation Army conducted “full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit,” language frequently used by Beijing when responding to foreign naval activity in waters it considers sensitive.

Canberra, however, emphasized that its naval operations comply with established international norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Australian forces have operated in the region for decades, calling the South China Sea a “vital waterway for the entire international community.”

He added that the mission reflects Australia’s commitment to “a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo Pacific.”

Indo-Pacific deployment continues

HMAS Toowoomba remains deployed across the Indo-Pacific, conducting exercises, port visits, and joint engagements with allied and partner nations.

Australia’s defence ministry said such deployments are designed to safeguard national interests, reinforce the rules-based international order, and improve interoperability with regional allies.

Commanding Officer Commander Alicia Harrison said the mission demonstrates Australia’s “steadfast commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous region.”

“Our mission is built on partnership working side by side with regional allies and partners to strengthen collective security and uphold international law,” she said.

She added that “Regional Presence Deployments also provide vital experience for our people, ensuring we can respond to maritime challenges.”

Earlier, US fighter jets stationed in South Korea and aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army were involved in a brief aerial standoff over the Yellow Sea.

The incident occurred on February 18, when several US Air Force F-16s operating from Osan Air Base in western South Korea were conducting routine training flights over international waters.

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