Australia and New Zealand monitoring Chinese warships

In this photo provided by the Australian Defence Force, the People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang travels in the Torres Strait off Australia’s coast (Australian Defence Force/AP)

The Australian and New Zealand militaries were monitoring three Chinese warships moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission, officials said on Thursday.

The Australian government revealed a week ago the warships had travelled through the Coral Sea and were approaching north east Australia.