U.S., Australian navies transit South China Sea, while alleged ship 'Wuhan' sails nearby

While China continues its conspicuous local displays of military force – allegedly sending a ship named “Wuhan” to the South China Sea – the United States and Australia have launched joint naval operations in contiguous waters.

Australia’s HMAS Parramatta partnered in the South China Sea with three American ships, according to the U.S. Navy. They included the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill, the guided missile destroyer USS Barry, and the amphibious assault ship USS America, the Navy said.  

“The events gave both navies the opportunity to integrate all warfare areas, and further strengthen the bond between both countries,” the Navy said in a statement. Procedures have included live fire exercises, coordinated helicopter operations, small-boat-force protection drills, and other activity.

The joint maneuvers are the latest in a series of U.S.-Australian team work, the Navy said.

“We look forward to every opportunity we get to work with our stalwart Australian allies at sea,” said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the America Expeditionary Strike Group. “To bring this much combat capability together here in the South China Sea truly signals to our allies and partners in the region that we are deeply committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The exercises that commenced on April 13 come at a time of increased military displays from Beijing. In recent days, a Pentagon source told Just the News, a Chinese ship has sailed the waters around Malaysia. 

The ship, the source said, is named “Wuhan.”

Last month, China announced that it soon plans to launch a new satellite, also named “Wuhan.”