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Australia Can Expect More ‘Close Contact’ with Chinese Military, Defence Warns

‘As the power of the PLA and its capabilities expands, it is conducting more and more operations beyond its territorial areas,’ said the defence secretary.
Australia Can Expect More ‘Close Contact’ with Chinese Military, Defence Warns
A Chinese PLA Navy ship (background L) is seen while the an Australian Navy destroyer (R) takes part in a maritime cooperative activity near Scarborough Shoal, on Sept/ 3, 2025. Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images
Alfred Bui
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Australia’s defence force is expected to come into contact more often with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) works to further its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, the Defence Department’s representatives revealed at a recent Senate Estimates hearing.

“We are seeing the People’s Liberation Army continue to expand its military capability reach and operational tempo as the PLA operates further afield,” Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty said.

Alfred Bui
Alfred Bui
Author
Alfred Bui is an Australian reporter based in Melbourne and focuses on local and business news. He is a former small business owner and has two master’s degrees in business and business law. Contact him at [email protected].