The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is right now tracking a Chinese naval task group. That cohort includes four hydrograhic and oceanographic survey vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N). Besides the Renhai class cruiser, the other vessels in the flotilla are a frigate, a refueling vessel, and a landing helicopter dock. Although the task group was filmed recently moving at around 13 knots, where exactly in the world they’re headed to is anyone’s guess.
Even the formation of this task group has sent shockwaves to concerned observers fearing its destructive potential next steps in the region. As of today, December 30, the group has crossed about 5,000 kilometers. There is some speculation that it might go far, far into the southwest Pacific. These could be anywhere between the Marshall Islands and Nauru, or just east of the Solomons.
Capabilities of the Renhai Class Cruiser
The Renhai class cruiser, one of the most significant members of this task group, is armed with state of the art weaponry. It is able to launch land-attack cruise missiles as well as anti-ship ballistic missiles. Equally notable, these weapons are capable of striking targets 1,000 kilometers or more distance. In addition to these tactical air operations, this cruiser can launch anti-ship cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes and anti-submarine weapons.
This large battery of weapons and systems helps to make the Renhai class cruiser an important tool in China’s naval operations. Its presence serves to highlight China’s ambition to increase the range of their operations within the Indo-Pacific region.
“This is consistent with China’s broader effort to signal its growing ability to operate further into the Pacific with more complex, expeditionary naval formations,” – Jennifer Parker.
The advanced capabilities of the Renhai class cruiser continue to contribute to regional tension. At the same time, Australia should continue to be watchful and watch deeply on these developments. The ADF has significantly increased their domestic and international surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to protect our national interests with the increase of geopolitical tensions.
ADF’s Response and Monitoring Efforts
The Australian Defence Force is reading the movements of the Chinese naval flotilla closely. All along, officials have been keen to stress their determination to preserve a heightened maritime awareness throughout the Indo-Pacific theatre.
Pat Conroy, a representative of the ADF, stated, “We’re continuing to monitor them as we maintain excellent maritime awareness through every area of the Indo-Pacific that we’re focused on.” He mentioned that they have not yet established the flotilla’s final destination: “We have not established their final destination, so we’re not in a position to provide commentary on where they will head.”
The ADF keeps other members of the Pacific family regularly briefed on maritime activity within the region. Mr. Conroy affirmed, “We regularly brief other members of the Pacific family about maritime activity in our region, that’s a job we take seriously.” This regional, collaborative approach is intended to increase security in the region, as well as the understanding and trust between Pacific nations.
Strategic Implications for Australia and the Region
Beyond the intent, the presence of the Chinese naval task group by itself has profound implications for regional security dynamics. The ADF’s monitoring efforts align with Australia’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in the Pacific. The two powers are locked in an ongoing struggle for political leverage over the other in the area. This competition with China continues to only heat up.
As tensions have continued to grow, some commentators noted that Australia’s response should be critically strategic. One diplomatic source noted, “The message we got is that Australia … wants to highlight the difference between what China says and what it does.”
The current situation is indicative of a deeper trend toward military escalation across the Indo-Pacific. Analysts caution that should the task group return to the First Island Chain, it will likely be spotted and reported. That’s due in part to the frequent sighting in the past of large Chinese task groups in that area.
