AustraliaAccusations on Chinese warshipsJapanAn Australian Navy diver was injured due to “unsafe and unprofessional” operations in international waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone.ChinaDepartment of DefenseOn the evening of the 20th it said that this statement is completely inconsistent with the facts. China strongly opposes this and has lodged strong representations with Australia.
In response to a reporter’s question, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesman Colonel Wu Qian said Australia’s comments are completely inconsistent with the facts. Recently, the Australian frigate “Toowoomba” (also translated as Toowoomba) has been operating in the waters near the East China Sea. The China military destroyer “Ningbo” carried out follow-up monitoring, identification and verification and other disposal measures in accordance with laws and regulations.
During this period, Chinese ships strictly adhered to international regulations such as the Rules of Unexpected Encounters at Sea and International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, maintained a safe distance from Australian ships, and did not engage in any such activities Which can influence. Australian diving operations.
Wu Qian said that China and Japan have no delimitations in their respective maritime zones, and there is no argument that China’s military activities are located in or enter Japan’s exclusive economic zone. “We urge the Australian side to respect the facts, stop making reckless and irresponsible accusations against China, do more to enhance mutual trust between the two sides, and create a positive environment for the good development of relations There are two countries and two armies.”
Australian Defense Minister Marlers said on the 18th that on November 14, the Australian long-range warship “Touba” was conducting diving operations in Japan’s exclusive economic zone to remove fishing nets from the propeller. Despite Australian warships informing Chinese warships that they were conducting diving operations, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer approached Touba and operated her onboard sonar in a manner that posed a security risk. Maley said medical evaluation found that the diver suffered minor injuries that may have been caused by destructive sonar.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese said in an interview with Australia’s Sky News today (20th) that one person was injured in the incident and also raised the need to establish “communication guardrails” between the armies of the two countries.
“What the Chinese warships did was dangerous, unsafe and unprofessional,” Albanese said, adding that the incident was raised through “all the normal channels.” But he did not disclose whether the matter was discussed during a private meeting with Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Albanese said: “The consequence of these incidents is that they damage the relationship. This is certainly a damaging incident. We have made that clear to China.”
China(TagstoTranslate)Australia(T)Ministry of Defense(T)Japan
