Sailing in Australia’s exclusive economic zone, the three vessels were not breaking international law, but they were unusually far south on an undeclared mission.

The Australian and New Zealand militaries are monitoring three Chinese warships that are moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission

The Australian Defence Force is monitoring three Chinese navy ships which are understood to be sailing east of Sydney.

The Australian and New Zealand militaries were monitoring three Chinese warships moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission, officials said on Thursday. The Australian government revealed a week ago the warships had travelled through the Coral Sea and were approaching north east Australia.

"A confronting strategic future is arriving fast. This flotilla will likely also visit Pacific island countries," an academic says.

Several commercial flights have been re-routed because of potential hazards from Chinese warship exercises between Australia and New Zealand.