HMAS Toowoomba (File Photo)China said Monday its military has always operated in accordance with international law, after Australia said sonar pulses emitted by a Chinese warship "likely" injured navy divers. Canberra accused Beijing over the weekend of "unsafe and unprofessional" conduct at sea around the HMAS Toowoomba, a long-range frigate that had been supporting United Nations sanctions enforcement efforts within Japan's exclusive economic zone. But Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Monday said "the Chinese military has strict discipline and has always conducted professional operations in accordance with international law and international practices". The Diving Medical Advisory Committee, an independent London-based organisation, has warned that sonar sound waves can cause divers to suffer dizziness, hearing damage and organ damage. The HMAS Toowoomba -- commissioned in 2005 -- is a long-range frigate packed with advanced surveillance capabilities and "world class" weapons systems, according to the Australian navy.

Source: The Standard November 20, 2023 12:13 UTC