Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class long-range frigate HMAS Toowoomba has safely transited the South China Sea in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands as part of her 2026 regional presence deployment.
Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison confirmed the routine transit took place from February 9 to February 10, saying that while foreign naval vessels were present during the transit, there was no confrontation and that all interactions with foreign warships throughout the passage were conducted in a safe and professional manner.
"Routine transits like this one demonstrate Australia's commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected," she said.
Commander Harrison confirmed that at all points Toowoomba was operating in international waters in accordance with international law.
"This transit reaffirms Australian vessels and aircraft will continue to exercise our rights to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," Commander Harrison said.
Regional presence deployments are vital to ensuring Australia's long-term security and prosperity by protecting Australia's interests, preserving an international rules-based order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.
"Australia has a decades-long history of conducting maritime activities in the region, including in the South China Sea, which is a vital waterway for the entire international community," Commander Harrison said.
Australia has been committed to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region through the deployment of Royal Australian Navy ships and other Australian Defence Force assets in recent years.
Toowoomba will continue undertaking its Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment throughout South Asia and South-East Asia, conducting training, exercises and other engagements with Australia's regional partners.
