In a recent Senate estimates hearing, Admiral David Johnston, the chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), reported that a Chinese flotilla sailed very close to Australia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which is approximately 200 nautical miles from the coast. This incident was monitored by the ADF and is seen as part of China's broader strategy to assert its naval capabilities in the Pacific region. The flotilla was noted to have operated about 400 kilometers from the north-east coast of Queensland, highlighting the increasing military presence of China near Australasian waters.

The revelation has sparked a political backlash, particularly from the federal opposition, which accuses the Australian government of a lack of transparency regarding national security issues. Opposition members are urging the government to be more forthright about Australia's strategic situation in light of this deployment. Senator Jess Collins specifically emphasized the need for honesty in how the government communicates about such significant global military movements and their implications for Australian safety and sovereignty.

This development comes amid growing concerns over China's expanding military activities in the Pacific region. The monitoring of the flotilla by the ADF underscores the delicate balance Australia must maintain in addressing its national security needs while navigating complex regional dynamics involving major powers like China. The incident may also prompt further discussions about Australia's defence strategies and its alliances within the region, especially in the face of shifting geopolitical realities.