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China has deployed numerous satellites over Australia to gather intelligence on the Malabar military exercises involving the United States, India, and Japan. According to commercial space data obtained by ABC News, Beijing conducted comprehensive surveillance during the recently concluded “Exercise Talisman Sabre” and the ongoing “Malabar Exercise” naval drills off Sydney.

The 26th edition of the Malabar naval exercise is currently taking place along the coast of Sydney, Australia. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the exercise includes participation from the naval forces of India, the US, Japan, and Australia. It originated in 1992 as a bilateral maritime exercise between India and the US and has evolved over time.

Since the start of Exercise Malabar on August 10, hundreds of smaller low-orbit satellites (LEOs) have been conducting surveillance flights at significantly reduced altitudes over Australia. The focus of their monitoring has been warship maneuvers near Sydney Harbour.

The Australian Defense Department has not provided specific details about its monitoring and risk mitigation strategies in response to the Chinese satellite presence. However, a defense spokesperson has confirmed that measures are in place to protect information security for Australian and participating forces. The department also monitors satellite movements as part of broader efforts to raise awareness about activities within the space domain.

China has a history of monitoring the Malabar Exercise. In 2007, a Chinese spy ship reportedly observed activities in the Indian Ocean, and in 2014, similar activity occurred in the Bay of Bengal. Experts suggest that China views the exercise as a challenge to its Indo-Pacific interests and sees it as an opportunity for the participating countries to enhance coordination and interoperability, potentially countering Chinese assertiveness in the region.

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