Chinese spy ship found near Australia

A high-tech Chinese spy ship in international waters off Australia’s northern coast has been monitoring joint military exercises between Australia and the U.S., the Australian defense force said.

“Australia defense can confirm that a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy Type 815 Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence vessel has been operating off the northeast coast of Australia,” the Department of Defense said in an emailed statement on Saturday. “The Chinese vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside the Australian exclusive economic zone in the Coral Sea,” it said.

The allies’ regular Exercise Talisman Saber exercises were taking place in the vicinity, it said, adding the vessel’s presence had not detracted from the exercise objectives.

AP/DANIEL CHAN Japanese children in Shah Alam, Malaysia, dance Saturday during the Bon Odori Festival. Participants, mostly Japanese people living in Malaysia, celebrate the summer festival as a way to honor their ancestors.