Chinese Ships Possibly Heading to Australia Capable of Carrying Landing Craft, Helicopters

A flotilla of Chinese ships being tracked east of the Philippines includes a vessel that can launch armoured amphibious assault vehicles.A satellite image, obtained by Starboard Maritime Intelligence, of one of the PLAN ships thought to be headed towards Australia. Starboard Maritime Intelligence12/2/2025|Updated: 12/2/2025New satellite images have emerged of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) flotilla, reportedly heading for Australian waters.Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was monitoring Chinese ships but declined to provide details on their identity or whereabouts.Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.Author’s Selected Articles