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New data reveals that China has been spying on the Malabar Exercise, a naval drill involving India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Commercial space data obtained by the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) shows that Chinese satellites have been monitoring the military training activities of these countries. The data reveals the extent of China’s surveillance on the Exercise Talisman Sabre and the ongoing Exercise Malabar.

The Australian defense company, EOS Space Systems, tracked three Chinese geostationary orbit satellites maneuvering to monitor the militaries of the US, Australia, and 13 other countries during Talisman Sabre. They also detected Chinese satellites, such as Shiyan 12-01, Shijian-17, and Shijian-23, maneuvering over the Australian region. The Shiyan 12-01 satellite was gliding over the northern Australia region, while the Shijian-17 and Shijian-23 satellites were tracked drifting towards the east where the exercises were taking place.

Since the start of the Malabar Exercise, hundreds of low-orbit satellites have been tracked completing thousands of flights at lower altitudes over Australia. These satellites are focused on monitoring the activity of warships around Sydney Harbour. James Bennett from EOS Space Systems stated that over 300 satellites have been observing ground-based activities, with over 3,000 overflights recorded since the exercise began. He also mentioned that these Chinese satellites are providing Beijing with detailed and persistent observation of both mainland and offshore activities.

In addition to satellite surveillance, a Chinese surveillance ship was spotted heading towards Australia in July. Chinese space activity is being monitored using telescopes stationed outside Canberra and at Learmonth in Western Australia. James Brown, the CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia, expressed concern about the increasing Chinese intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance satellites being launched. He emphasized the critical role of space in future conflicts.

China’s surveillance activities highlight the growing importance of space as a domain for military operations. While China has invested heavily in satellite technology, Australia lacks military satellites and similar capabilities for collecting imagery. The Malabar Exercise aims to enhance coordination and interoperability between the four participating countries’ navies.

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