Over the past month, a flotilla of Chinese military ships came close to Australian shores unannounced.

They conducted live-fire drills off the coast of Eden, New South Wales – disrupting dozens of flights out of Sydney airport.

The Chinese ships have arrived at a time when Australia’s ability to rely on the United States for defence is questionable, and their presence has sparked concerns that we’re unable to handle our own security in the event of an attack.

Today, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, Sam Roggeveen, on why the Chinese military circled Australia – and what we should do about it.

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Guest: Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program Sam Roggeveen

Photo: Australian Defence Force