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Australia’s Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, has conducted a routine transit in the South China Sea as a part of the ADF’s regional presence deployment.
The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, has transited through the South China Sea as a part of a routine surveillance operation in alliance with international law. Supported by US Navy maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, the transit is part of Ballarat’s three-month long regional presence deployment operation in the Indo-Pacific region.
“For decades, Defence has undertaken maritime activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace,” Chief of Joint Operations Vice-Admiral Justin Jones said.
“The South China Sea is a vital waterway for the entire international community.”
This most recent operation is Australia’s fourth regional presence deployment for 2025, demonstrating the ADF’s commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region. Last week, Australia lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing after a Chinese jet fighter released flares that came “very close” to Australian aircraft.
“No damage was done but it was dangerous and it was unsafe, and inherent in that is that it could have been a different outcome,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
HMAS Ballarat’s commanding officer, Commander Dean Uren, said that the “Indo-Pacific is one of the world’s most important maritime areas”.
“This training and engagement forms a critical part of our three-month regional presence deployment.
“By maintaining this continuous presence alongside our allies and partners, we demonstrate our commitment to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Regional presence deployments are a key way in which the ADF protect Australian interests, enhance interoperability with allies and other allies, and preserve international law in an often fragile geopolitical landscape.
