Chinese ‘Spy Ship’ With Advanced Capabilities Traces Australia’s Undersea Cable Route

A Chinese research vessel sailing near Australia’s southern coastline is being closely watched by Australian authorities due to concerns over its activities near vital undersea cables.

The ship, Tan Suo Yi Hao, operated by China’s Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, has been following a route along Australia’s submarine communication cables. This has raised security concerns.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the ship is in international waters and has not broken any laws. However, he admitted that he “would prefer that it wasn’t there.”

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been tracking as it moves westward along the southern coast.

The Tan Suo Yi Hao began its journey from Wellington, New Zealand, on March 23. Instead of taking a direct route to China, it sailed through the Tasman Sea, crossed the Bass Strait, and is travelling along the South Australian coast.

The vessel is equipped with advanced deep-sea technology, including submersibles capable of reaching depths of 10,000 meters.

It specialises in deep-sea exploration with 11 laboratories onboard, but its ability to operate at extreme depths has led experts to speculate that it could be mapping or studying the vulnerability of undersea cables.

The undersea cables are vital for global communication and internet connectivity.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, dismissed the concerns, stating that the vessel is carrying out “normal maritime activities” in compliance with international law. He did not provide any specific details about its mission.

Meanwhile, Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton has criticised the government’s handling of the situation.

He said that the ship could be conducting intelligence-gathering operations and claimed that Prime Minister Albanese is downplaying the potential risks.

Dutton pointed out similar incidents in Taiwan and Europe, where Chinese and Russian vessels were suspected of interfering with undersea cables.

The cables connect Australia with international networks. Security analysts warn that mapping these routes could have strategic implications.

In a similar incident in 2020, another Chinese vessel was seen mapping areas of the country’s western coastline.

The Tan Suo Yi Hao is expected to continue its journey and return to its home port in Sanya, China by April 30, 2025. Until then, Australian authorities will keep a close watch on its movements.

References: skynews, abc news