The Chinese and Russian militaries are no longer invited to attend a major international naval conference that opens in Sydney on Tuesday, as relations between Australia and the powerful allies deteriorate.
Naval chiefs from 40 nations are gathering at Darling Harbour for the first Indo-Pacific conference since the pandemic, where industry discussions are expected to focus on emerging undersea warfare technology.
In previous years, representatives from the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) have attended the biennial gathering, but this year Australia decided not to invite the Chinese military due to "deteriorating relations".
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has also torn up an invitation for the Russian Armed Forces to attend the conference after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
In 2019, a total of six PLA-N officers were granted permission to attend the Sea Power conference, where the ABC observed a number of the Chinese officers closely inspecting the Royal Australian Navy’s now-scrapped French-designed future submarine project.
A key focus of this week’s conference is expected to be the recent security agreement struck between China and Solomon Islands, which has caused great anxiety in Australia’s defence force and with allies such as the United States.
Ahead of the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference, Australia’s Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mike Noonan has hosted a South-West Pacific heads of maritime forces meeting involving 13 neighbouring nations, including Solomon Islands.
“Sea Power 2022 provides the opportunity for our sailors, officers and policymakers alike to discuss, in depth, the significant challenges that we face in the region and across the Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.
“This will range from grey-zone tactics, competing and competition, through to emerging technologies … above the sea, on the sea and under the sea,” he added.
The head of Solomon Islands Maritime Department, Nevol Soko, was due to fly to Australia for the gathering but is instead participating in discussions virtually along with other representatives from the Pacific region.
Discussions are also expected to focus on Australia’s planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership announced in September.
Concerns over delays and technical problems with various Australian naval projects, such as the $45 billion-dollar Future Frigate program, are also expected to be discussed during the three-day conference in Sydney.
More than 700 defence companies from around the world will be represented at the high-powered international trade fare, with arms dealers vying to secure contracts from Australia’s planned $270 billion spend on military acquisitions over the coming decade.
