Australia monitoring Chinese naval 'task group' in the Philippine Sea; Major Defence shake-Up announced

People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang.

People’s Liberation Army-Navy frigate Hengyang. Source: Supplied

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed that Australia is closely tracking a Chinese navy fleet currently in the Philippine Sea amid uncertainty over its size and destination.


Key Points
  • he Australian government is monitoring a Chinese naval task group in the Philippine Sea as a precaution in case the fleet heads toward Australian territory, following similar Chinese naval activity earlier this year.
  • The announcement comes as Marles unveils the most significant Defence Department overhaul in nearly 50 years, creating a new autonomous Defence Delivery Agency to streamline major capability programs without job cuts.
  • Despite the major structural overhaul, the government has committed that no job cuts will occur within the Defence Department.

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