Australia tracks Chinese warship headed toward US-Australia war games

Australian officials say they are monitoring a Chinese surveillance vessel approaching Australia’s northeast coast and "will take appropriate measures".

A file photo of the Haijian 51 and other Chinese maritime surveillance vessels. China’s navy has grown dramatically over the past two decades. Source: AAP

Australian defense officials said they are tracking a Chinese surveillance ship that is expected to position itself just outside of its territorial waters to monitor military exercises between Australia and the United States.

Around 25,000 Australian and US military personnel on board battleships equipped with strike jets will over the next month participate in bi-annual Talisman Sabre war games.

Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, chief of joint operations at the Australian Defence Force, said the Chinese surveillance vessel was probably headed to Australia’s northeast coast to get a first-hand look at the military exercises.

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