Australia Watches, and Speculates, as Chinese Research Vessel Sails Nearby
China's research vessel is attracting attention as it sails along Australia's southern coast | The Australian government confirmed it is tracking the movements of a Chinese research vessel that many believe is also a spy ship as it sails along the Southern Coast. While the vessel has done nothing considered improper, it is drawing wide attention in the Australian media which prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to tell reporters, “I would prefer that it wasn’t there.” ● The Tan Suo Yi Hao [Discovery One] departed Wellington, New Zealand on March 23 and its AIS signal shows it is bound for Sanya, China where it is due on April 30. However, instead of taking a northern course, the vessel transited the Tasman Sea, between New Zealand and Australia, crossed the Bass Strait, and is now traveling along the southern coast of Australia. It has not requested a port stop in Australia.
✅ Australia’s paranoia over China’s research vessel unfounded, it doesn’t have to be this way (Global Times)