The unusual deployment by three navy ships over the past month has prompted a debate in Australia about its aging fleet and reliance on the United States.

A handout photo taken on February 11, 2025 and released on February 13, 2025 by the Australian Defence Force shows China's People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, part of a task group operating to the north east of Australia.

For nearly a month, three Chinese warships made an unannounced journey around Australia, leaving the country on high alert. The flotilla consisted of a cruiser, a frigate, and a replenishment tanker,