China alarms US allies Australia and New Zealand in South Pacific with warship presence near shores [Video]

Two United States allies in the South Pacific on Thursday sounded alarms on the “unusual” and “significant” presence of Chinese naval ships in the waters between them.

The Chinese Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

Both Australia and New Zealand signed a security treaty with the U.S. in 1951. The three nations also form an intelligence-sharing alliance, the Five Eyes, with the United Kingdom and Canada, which has issued warnings over the national security threats posed by China.

The Chinese military has over 370 ships and submarines, forming the world’s largest navy by hull count. The Pentagon said in its latest assessment report that the Chinese navy continues to develop into a global force, gradually extending its operational reach beyond East Asia.

What To Know

A spokesperson for the Australian Defense Department confirmed to Newsweek that the country’s military was monitoring Chinese destroyer CNS Zunyi…