Navy chief says Chinese flotilla in Tasman Sea had 'impact'
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the incoming Chief of the Defence Force, addressed concerns regarding a Chinese naval flotilla that entered the Tasman Sea last year. He noted that this incident caused significant anxiety in Australia and anger in New Zealand, influencing defense spending and strategic reviews in both countries. Hammond emphasized the importance of the AUKUS program and urged against politicizing Australia's defense initiatives.
- ▪Vice Admiral Mark Hammond stated that the Chinese flotilla triggered anxiety in Australia and anger in New Zealand.
- ▪The incident had repercussions during a federal election in Australia and a defense review in New Zealand.
- ▪Hammond highlighted that the Albanese government doubled its defense budget in response to the flotilla's deployment.
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Navy chief says Chinese flotilla in Tasman Sea stirred anxiety and anger in Australia, NZBy foreign affairs reporter Stephen DziedzicTopic:Defence ForcesTue 26 May 2026 at 5:05pmTue 26 May 2026 at 5:05pmTue 26 May 2026 at 5:05pmMark Hammond speaking at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security conference in Perth. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)In short:Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, who is due to become the new Chief of the Defence Force, has spoken at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security conference in Perth.He said China triggered anxiety in Australia and "a level of anger" in New Zealand by sending a naval flotilla into the Tasman Sea last year.He said the incident also "had an impact" on the Albanese government's plan to "uplift the lethality and commitment of the ADF at…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).