On March 8, 2025, the Australian Defence Force was closely monitoring the presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLN) Task Group 107, which has increasingly moved within the vicinity of Australia. The Task Group, comprising the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, was first reported operating approximately 160 nautical miles east of Hobart on February 25. This deployment is considered significant, as it is seen as part of China's strategic military plans to bolster its naval capabilities and test Australia's responses to potential military provocations.
There are three primary reasons behind China's recent naval activities: to demonstrate the reach of its naval power, to test political and military responses from Australia, and to simulate wartime operations against it. Military analysts suggest this deployment may serve as a rehearsal for conducting missile strikes on Australian military bases and infrastructure. The cruiser Zunyi is particularly noteworthy for its 112 missile cells which can launch long-range land-attack cruise missiles at targets across Australia.
Australia remains vigilant as this task group's movements have been consistently monitored over the past two weeks, with its location shifting from being 630 nautical miles northwest of Perth on March 6 to just 155 nautical miles south of Christmas Island by March 8. Reports indicate the Defence Department is concerned about the capacity of the PLA-N to not only mount seaborne missile strikes but also to conduct air-launched strikes against Australia using H-6 bombers capable of launching munitions from distances beyond Australia's air defense range.
Given the growing assertiveness of the Chinese military, Australian officials are reinforcing their strategic defense frameworks, as there is much at stake if this rehearsed military action is reflected upon actual hostilities. Recent analysis indicates Australia must be prepared by early 2027 as this period is speculated to align with the earliest China might be ready to engage militarily concerning Taiwan, which could potentially drag Australia and its allies, including the United States, directly involved.
Historically, Australia’s defence planning has focused on its geographical advantages and the imperative of securing its maritime approaches. This recent deployment sends alarm bells ringing, leading experts to assert the importance of not only maintaining but also enhancing the national defense capabilities to safeguard against such provocations. According to military strategists, Australia should be aiming for a multi-faceted approach, including the development of longer-range anti-surface capabilities through potential agreements with the United States to acquire the B-1B Lancer bombers.
Engaging with partners to form alliances is another pivotal strategy moving forward. The proposition of negotiating military alliances with neighboring countries, including Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, would serve to bolster Australia's naval capacities. These alliances would provide strategic bases for monitoring and potentially countering aggressive actions from rivals like China. The establishment of forward bases would not only extends surveillance capabilities but instills regional collaborative security mechanisms.
Australia's Defence also notes the urgency to develop comprehensive situational awareness of Chinese and Russian naval movements and invest more significantly in surveillance technologies. This entails creating synergies among national intelligence systems, space-based sensors, and enhanced maritime surveillance capabilities to track movements at the farthest periphery of Australia’s defence jurisdiction.
Given the significant shifts taking place, there is recognition among defence authorities of the need to boost operational readiness within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). ADF must be prepared for rapid responses to any security challenges. This readiness entails adjusting rules of engagement to authorize close engagements with unidentified vessels of interest, representing proactive maritime defence practices.
Alongside these tactical adjustments, the acquisition of additional capabilities is exploring more aggressive long-range air superiority abilities to tackle potential threats posed by long-distance bomber missions originating from PLA Air Force contingents. For the ADF, equipping the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with the air-to-air version of the SM-6 missile could significantly mitigate the threat of stand-off attacks from increasingly sophisticated Chinese aircraft.
Despite substantial advancements, addressing gaps within the navy’s operational capacities remains imperative, with the aim of remediationally honing the readiness of existing assets like Collins-class submarines and frontline surface vessels. With the shifting dynamics around Australia, analysts recommend bolstering the fleet, projecting the future necessity for capabilities to sustain any offensive military activities from adversaries.
The current geopolitical climate renders Australia increasingly susceptible to foreign military postures. The complexity of the threat environment necessitates ensuring the accessibility of military resources whilst maintaining cultural ties with allies to avert unilateral strategic isolation. Recapitulating the importance of united fronts with our allies cannot be overstated, as this enhances regional security and establishes deterrence parameters against adversarial forces.
While military conflict remains statistically low, the mere possibility necessitates persistent vigilance among national leaders and readiness across military frameworks. By enhancing naval survivability, operational commitments, and technological advancements, Australia can position itself stronger as it navigates through increasingly uncertain seas influenced by rising powers.