China's Far-Seas Naval Operations and the Challenge for U.S. Allies

In February 2025, China dispatched a naval task group led by the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi through the Torres Strait into the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea, conducting live-fire exercises roughly 150 nautical miles from Sydney. Supported by replenishment vessels, the flotilla operated for several days before returning westward. For Beijing, this deployment was more than a training exercise—it was a strategic signal that China can project power well beyond its immediate periphery.Australia’s reaction was relatively restrained. Canberra monitored the fleet with patrol aircraft and, together with New Zealand, tracked its movements. Yet in public statements, Australian officials acknowledged that the Chinese operations remained within the bounds of international law. This stood in contrast to Australia’s previous criticisms of Chinese activities in the South China Sea, highlighting the difficulty of applying consistent standards when roles are reversed.The incident reflects three broader dynamics shaping the Indo-Pacific. First, China’s naval modernization has reached a stage where far-seas operations are becoming routine. The normalization of such deployments challenges assumptions that China’s maritime posture would remain largely confined to its near seas. Second, smaller and middle powers must now factor reciprocal Chinese actions into their own operational planning. Activities once considered low-risk—such as freedom of navigation operations near Chinese-claimed waters—may now invite responses closer to their own coastlines. Third, naval power is being used as a signaling tool as much as a military one, with Beijing demonstrating that it can operate in areas traditionally associated with U.S. and allied presence.For the United States and its partners, this raises important policy questions. How should allies respond to Chinese naval operations that are technically lawful but strategically assertive? What frameworks can ensure that demonstrations of capability do not escalate into confrontation? And how can middle powers like Australia manage the tension between upholding freedom of navigation principles and mitigating the risks of reciprocal shows of force?Policy Recommendations:Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness: Investments in surveillance, satellite monitoring, and intelligence-sharing will allow allies to track Chinese deployments more effectively and respond with coordinated messaging.Develop Consistent Norms: If U.S. allies criticize Chinese actions near the South China Sea, they must be prepared to articulate consistent principles when Chinese forces operate near their own waters. Consistency strengthens credibility.Expand Joint Exercises: U.S. and allied navies should expand cooperative exercises in both near-sea and far-sea environments, reinforcing interoperability and demonstrating collective capability without relying solely on U.S. assets.Balance Deterrence and Engagement: While deterrence remains essential, dialogue mechanisms—both bilateral and multilateral—are equally necessary to prevent miscalculation. Structured naval communication protocols could reduce risks during close encounters.China’s far-seas operation near Australia illustrates a shifting maritime balance. As Beijing asserts its presence on a global scale, U.S. allies must adjust strategies accordingly. The challenge is not only to deter coercion but also to establish norms that keep competition stable and predictable. Power projection will remain a reality—but careful management can prevent it from spiraling into conflict.