CHINESE warships were forced to leave Sydney after a “surprise” visit to the Australian city raised tensions in the region.
Three warships sailed through the Sydney Heads and passed by various coastal landmarks in what experts are labelling a show of force. The Chinese fleet – made up of a frigate, a supply ship, and an amphibious war vessel – was unnerving for the unaware. The Australiangovernment also did not reveal that the ships were conducting live-firing exercises in the South Indian Ocean – just west of the country.
Though Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he knew about the visit, other leaders – such as New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian – were not kept in the loop.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese hit out at Mr Morrison for keeping the relevant Premier in the dark.
He said: “I think that it would be reasonable that there be public notification of the visit of any vessels into Sydney Harbour.
“The fact that the NSW government of Gladys Berejiklian apparently weren’t informed, I think requires some further explanation of just why that didn’t happen.”