Chinese warships track north along WA’s coast on continued circumnavigation of Australia

A trio of Chinese warships have continued their circumnavigation of Australia, passing Perth as they travel towards the State’s north.

Australian Defence have maintained close monitoring efforts of the task group – including through a P-8 warplane, known as a “sub-hunter”.

The aerial asset designed for maritime surveillance comes amid speculation a submarine was part of the Chinese group as well.

In the 24-hours to Wednesday morning, the flotilla voyaged from 314 kilometres south-southwest of Perth to 556km northwest of the city.

Perth MP Patrick Gorman told ABC radio on Tuesday that Australia was tracking the ships “very carefully” and had been for a number of days.

“Every millisecond of every minute of every hour of every day, we know where these ships are,” he said.

“It is the right of vessels to navigate through international waters. Australia does that as well. What I want is a peaceful region,” he said.

“That means that we should all follow international law, and we should also all follow convention.

“That means that when it comes to things like live firing exercises, Australia rightly expects proper notice, particularly by those who might be sailing in Australia’s zone.”