Australian divers were subjected to a perilous situation caused by the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) of China. The Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba, engaged in a peaceful mission in international waters, faced an unexpected and aggressive move by a Chinese warship, resulting in injuries to its crew.

HMAS Toowoomba, an Anzac-class frigate, was conducting a routine operation to clear entangled fishing nets from its propellers in the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone. The crew had properly communicated their intentions and were following international maritime protocols. However, the situation took a dangerous turn with the arrival of the Ningbo, a PLA-N Type 956EM destroyer. Despite acknowledging the Australian warnings, the Chinese vessel proceeded to close in on the Toowoomba.

The aggressive maneuver from the Ningbo involved the use of its hull-mounted sonar, which posed a significant risk to the safety of the Australian divers. Sonar, especially military-grade, is notoriously harmful to divers, capable of causing serious health issues including hearing loss, internal bleeding, and potentially fatal injuries. As a result of this reckless action, the Australian divers suffered ear injuries from the intense underwater sound blasts.

This incident did not just result in physical harm to the Australian divers but also exposed a concerning diplomatic dilemma for Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. The Australian government, which has been attempting to mend relations with China, found itself in a precarious position. Rather than confronting the issue head-on, there was an initial attempt to downplay the incident, causing public criticism of the government’s response.

Critics argue that the Australian government’s subdued reaction to this provocation, particularly in light of ongoing diplomatic efforts with China, reflects a concerning trend of appeasement. This incident raises questions about the safety of maritime operations in the region and the effectiveness of international protocols in deterring aggressive actions by military forces.

This confrontation is part of a larger pattern of hostile Chinese military activities in Asian waters, including confrontations with American, Canadian, Philippines and other international forces. The incident with HMAS Toowoomba stands out due to its direct physical impact on Australian personnel and the potential long-term implications for Australia-China relations.

The Australian Defence Minister has condemned the PLA-N’s actions as “unsafe and unprofessional,” emphasizing the need for all militaries, including China’s, to adhere to professional and safe conduct standards. The health risks posed to divers by such high levels of underwater sound are well-documented, making China’s actions not just a breach of maritime etiquette but also a grave health hazard.

China’s provocations seem to be getting bolder and bolder. No one seems to be responding, likely because they have no confidence that America will back them up.

This is embarassing and it will get worse before it gets better.