Reported at consortiumnews.com: Australia’s Defence Force experienced a significant failure in its surveillance capabilities when it was notified of a live-fire exercise by Chinese Navy warships only after a civilian aircraft reported it, raising concerns about communication and cooperation with U.S. intelligence.

Admiral David Johnston admitted that Defence was alerted 38 minutes after the exercise began, prompting questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s defence and intelligence monitoring systems.

The situation highlights Australia’s precarious position between an assertive ally (the U.S.) and a growing rival (China), making its national interests increasingly difficult to navigate.