An aftermath of the Taiwan deal ??

A Chinese naval fleet, led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi, is nearing the end of an unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia, which included sailing near a strategically sensitive defense facility off Western Australia. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) reported on Thursday that the flotilla, consisting of the Zunyi, a Type 054A frigate named Hengyang, and a Type 903 replenishment vessel, Weishanhu, was located 630 nautical miles northwest of Perth. This marks the ninth official update since the fleet’s presence was first noted, with surveillance images confirming its movements. Analysts predict the fleet may soon transit through the Sunda Strait, signaling its return to the South China Sea.

The Chinese task group’s proximity to Australia has raised concerns beyond mere military posturing. Analysts suggest the presence of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships near Perth may have intelligence-gathering implications, particularly given the strategic significance of the region. The ADF has closely monitored the fleet’s movements, which included sailing as close as 170 nautical miles southwest of Perth, though some media reports estimated the distance to be as little as 50-60 nautical miles.

This deployment occurs amid heightened military cooperation between Australia and the United States under the AUKUS defense pact, established in September 2021. AUKUS, a trilateral security alliance involving Australia, the UK, and the US, aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines to strengthen deterrence and promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Notably, the US Navy’s attack submarine USS Minnesota has been docked at HMAS Stirling naval base near Perth since last month, likely for nuclear submarine training and operational coordination with Australian forces.

The Chinese fleet’s circumnavigation of Australia represents one of the most significant PLAN operations near Australian waters, with the warships sailing closer to the country’s shores than ever before. This move underscores China’s growing naval capabilities and its willingness to project power in the Indo-Pacific region, even as Australia and its allies bolster their defense posture in response. The operation highlights the escalating strategic competition in the region, with both sides demonstrating their military reach and resolve.