‘China Will Be China’: Wong Defends Government’s Response to Chinese Warship Activities

Foreign Minister Wong says engaging with the CCP never meant there would be no problems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 27, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended the Australian response to the incursion of Peoples Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships into Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) at a Senate inquiry on Feb. 27.

Wong said Labor was taking a “calm and consistent, not reckless and arrogant” approach to the issue, as it becomes apparent that the flotilla of three Chinese Community Party (CCP) warships is circumnavigating the continent.