At the Australian International Airshow & Aerospace and Defence Exposition 2023, three Chinese men were seen taking photos, arousing suspicion from an Australian national security expert.
Lincoln Parker, an adviser on defence innovation, suspects that the men may have been ‘spying’ and is preparing a report for the Department of Defence.
The Avalon airshow exhibited a wide range of new defence technologies, including a new Australian-made lethal drone which can carry out unmanned air-to-ground strikes against hostile targets.
The Australian Defense Department had banned China and Russia from attending the event due to escalating strategic tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine War.
Mr Parker, who photographed the men, said the trio showed intense interest in recording the show and the attendees. They were armed with sophisticated camera equipment, including big long lenses.
The restrictions on entry to the event, which only allowed officials or people wearing a Trade Registration Badge, made Mr Parker even more curious about the three men.
The Australian Defense Department stated that neither China nor Russia was invited to participate in Avalon 2023. RAAF chief Air Marshal Rob Chipman told attendees that the nation’s competitive advantage would be crucial in future conflict prevention.
It is the second year the Defense Department has shut out China and Russia from attending, with RAN chief Vice Admiral Mike Noonan revoking invitations to China and Russia in 2022 to attend a naval conference in Sydney because of deteriorating ties.
Professor John Blaxland, Australian National University’s Professor of International Security & Intelligence Studies, said he would not be surprised if China was spying on Australia’s major defence aviation show, as it is the prime venue for overt espionage by defence attaches from around the world.
He added that chiefs of armed services from countries Australia was friendly with were at the show in force. Relations with China have soured, and Australians are not allowed freedom of movement in China.
»Lincoln Parker suspects Chinese men may have been ‘spying’ on Australia«
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