Australia: Australia has accused the Chinese navy of using sonar pulses in international waters that caused divers to suffer injuries. ‘Sonar pulses’ refers to the emission of underwater sound waves by a sonar system.
Mr. Richard Marles, Defence Minister of Australia, stated that a Chinese warship had resorted to “unsafe and unprofessional actions during the encounter off Japan earlier this week.” According to reports, the warship approached an Australian frigate as divers were clearing fishing nets from its propellers.
“The Chinese ship then emitted dangerous sonar pulses. This had posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers, who were forced to exit the water,” the Minister remarked. The divers suffered minor injuries that were likely caused by the sonar.
“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a professional and safe manner,” Mr. Marles added.
The Australian long-range frigate HMAS Toowoomba had communicated its intention to conduct diving operations on normal maritime channels and using internationally recognised signals, the statement said.
According to the Diving Medical Advisory Committee, a London-based body, high levels of underwater sound can cause “dizziness, hearing damage, or other injuries to divers.”
The reported incident occurred in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. HMAS Toowoomba was conducting operations in support of UN sanctions enforcement.
Earlier in November, Mr. Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister, made a breakthrough trip to China and hailed “significant progress” in relations between the Pacific powers.
Australia has expressed concern over China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Canberra has intensified military ties with the US and overhauled its defence posture in a bid to counter potential threats from China.
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