Australian Defence Minister Surprised China Decided to Send Second Spy Ship

Australia's Minister for Defence Peter Dutton speaks during a ceremony to mark the official commencement of Exercise Talisman Sabre, RAAF Base Amberley, in Brisbane on July 14, 2021. AAP Image/Albert Perez

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton is surprised Chinese leaders in Beijing decided to send a second spy ship to monitor Australia-U.S. military exercises off the east coast.

He said it is not unusual for China to deploy a ship during such manoeuvres, having done so in both 2017 and 2019.