Australia is keeping a close watch on a Chinese research ship, Tan Suo Yi Hao, as it makes its way around the country’s coastline. The ship entered Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on March 27, 2025, and is currently positioned 852 kilometers west-southwest of Adelaide. This information was confirmed by Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the Chief of Joint Operations.
Chinese Research Ship Spotted Near Australia’s Security Zone
The Tan Suo Yi Hao is a deep-sea science and engineering ship operated by China. While officially classified as a research ship, concerns have been raised about its true purpose. Some experts believe it could be involved in gathering intelligence rather than purely scientific research. Security officials are closely monitoring the vessel’s activities to assess any potential threats.
Australia’s security agencies have emphasized the importance of tracking foreign vessels in its waters to protect national interests. The Australian Defence Force remains vigilant, ensuring that the country’s security measures are in place to counter any risks posed by the ship’s presence.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has confirmed that it is actively tracking the ship’s movements. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that monitoring maritime traffic in Australian waters is routine and that national security remains a top priority.
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Interestingly, this is not the first time that a Chinese research ship has been spotted in Australian waters. The Tan Suo Yi Hao previously transited the Bass Strait in January 2023, and similar ships have been observed operating in Australian waters in previous years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged this in a recent press conference, stating that Australia is fully aware of the ship’s movements and is carefully tracking its activities.
Suspicions of Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
While China claims that the Tan Suo Yi Hao is engaged in scientific research, suspicions remain that the ship may be conducting intelligence-gathering operations. This suspicion has grown stronger after reports emerged that the ship may be tracking Australia’s deep-sea submarine cables. These cables are critical for global communication, particularly for internet and military operations. If a foreign ship were monitoring these cables, it could pose a serious national security risk.
The Tan Suo Yi Hao was recently stationed in New Zealand, where it was part of a joint exploration exercise. However, soon after leaving Wellington on March 23, reports surfaced that the ship was heading towards Australian waters without indicating any intention to stop at an Australian port. This has raised concerns about whether the ship is operating under its stated mission or if it has alternative objectives.
Prime Minister Albanese has assured the public that Australia’s security agencies are closely monitoring the ship. In a press briefing, he emphasized that Australia has full confidence in its defence forces to protect national interests. However, he did not disclose specific details about what measures were being taken to track and analyze the ship’s activities.
Interestingly, earlier this year, a Virgin Australia pilot was the first to notice three Chinese warships performing live-fire drills in Australian waters, before the government was alerted. This incident has led to growing concerns about how effectively Australia is monitoring foreign ships in its own maritime zone.
China’s Expanding Naval Presence Near Australia
China has been steadily increasing its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region, including sending warships, research ships, and surveillance ships near Australia. The presence of the Tan Suo Yi Hao is part of a larger pattern of Chinese maritime activities in the region.
Australian officials have acknowledged that just as Australia operates in international waters like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, China also has the right to operate in international waters near Australia. However, the presence of foreign military-linked ships so close to Australia’s coastline has raised national security concerns.
Australia’s Home Affairs Ministry has confirmed that authorities are closely tracking the ship’s movements. A spokesperson stated, “We know exactly where it is, the direction it’s heading, and the speed it’s traveling.” However, no further details were provided on the monitoring process.
The Tan Suo Yi Hao is expected to return to China on April 30, but for now, Australia remains on high alert, ensuring that its maritime security and national interests are fully protected.
