In a diplomatic escalation, Australian naval divers suffered injuries during an encounter with a Chinese warship, prompting Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles to express “serious concerns” to Chinese officials. The incident occurred when HMAS Toowoomba, operating in Japan’s exclusive economic zone to enforce United Nations sanctions, encountered a People’s Liberation Army-Navy destroyer.
The Toowoomba, en route to a scheduled port visit, faced complications when fishing nets entangled its propellers. While the ship halted for naval divers to address the issue, the Chinese PLA-N destroyer DDG-139 approached despite communication regarding the ongoing diving operation. The Chinese vessel not only failed to maintain a safe distance but also activated its hull-mounted sonar, endangering the safety of the Australian divers.
Marles condemned the Chinese warship’s “unsafe and unprofessional conduct,” emphasizing the Australian government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of Australian Defence Force personnel. He underscored that Australia expects all countries, including China, to conduct their military operations professionally and safely.
The naval divers, subjected to the sonar pulses, sustained minor injuries. Marles highlighted the inherent risks of such actions, labeling them as a breach of safety standards. Divers exposed to high levels of underwater sound can experience dizziness, hearing damage, or injuries to other organs.
The incident unfolded in international waters, and the Australian Defence Force has a long history of conducting surveillance in the region in accordance with international law, Marles noted.
Diplomatic tensions arise amid recent positive developments in Australia-China relations, including talks between Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping and China’s relaxation of punitive trade sanctions on Australian exports. Albanese, witnessing a warm discussion between US President Joe Biden and Xi at the APEC summit, emphasized the importance of positive dialogue between major nations.
As global leaders engage in diplomatic discourse, the clash at sea underscores the fragile nature of international relations, where misunderstandings and unsafe maneuvers can have far-reaching consequences. The incident is likely to prompt further diplomatic discussions to address the repercussions of the encounter between the Australian naval vessel and the Chinese warship.
By Ap
