THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

STATEMENT ON CHINESE WARSHIPS OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA

Thursday 20 February 2025

Richard Marles must be honest with the Australian people about how the Albanese Government is handling the Chinese vessels that are continuing to move closer to Australian shores.

His “nothing to see here” approach is consistent with the government’s lack of transparency around the incident between the People’s Liberation Army and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8 Poseidon last week.

What is the government doing about these warships? What contact has Richard Marles had with his Chinese counterpart? Has the National Security Committee met? These are questions that must be answered.

Let’s call a spade a spade. The Chinese military has built a Blue-water navy and are now testing us, along with other allies in the region. This is not just “unusual” as the Defence Minister has played it down – it’s provocative.

If the Albanese Government can’t be honest with the Australian people, how can we truly appreciate the urgency of the risks we face?

[ENDS]