Australia Expects China to Spy on Drills

Australia’s government announced on Sunday that it anticipates China will conduct intelligence-gathering activities during a major joint military exercise, “Talisman Sabre,” involving the United States and 17 other allied nations.

This expectation comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits China to strengthen recently restored trade relations.

The annual Talisman Sabre exercise, set to begin Sunday, will involve over 30,000 military personnel from 19 countries across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs, stated that the Chinese military has observed these drills since 2017, and it would be “very unusual” if they didn’t do so this time.

He confirmed Australia will “observe their activities and monitor their presence,” adjusting procedures to manage any intelligence “leakage.”

Renewed Concerns Over Chinese Military Base in South Pacific

Conroy also reiterated Australia’s accusation that China aims to establish a military base in the strategically important South Pacific region, a claim Beijing dismisses as a “false narrative.”

“We’re seeing… China is seeking to secure a military base in the region,” Conroy said, emphasising that Australia is working hard to be the “primary security partner of choice” for Pacific nations, as such a base would not be “optimal” for Australia.

This concern stems partly from a secretive security pact China signed with the Solomon Islands in 2022. While details remain unpublished, the United States and Australia fear it could lead to a permanent Chinese military presence.

Australia’s goal, Conroy noted, is “a balanced region where no one is dominated and no one dominates.”

China’s embassy in Fiji recently denied claims of seeking a military base, attributing them to “ulterior motives.”

Beijing has invested hundreds of millions in infrastructure projects across Pacific island nations, and in recent years, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Nauru have switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.