TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Australian naval vessel was sighted near the Taiwan Strait median line and west of Penghu Island, the Liberty Times reported Friday.

It was monitored by Taiwan’s military. Per the report, HMAS Toowoomba's MH-60 Seahawk helicopter was warned by Taiwanese authorities after crossing the strait's median line.

The Toowoomba is a multi-role warship that measures 118 meters long. The ship previously transited the Taiwan Strait in November 2023, prompting Chinese objections.

The Australian Government Defence website confirmed the Toowoomba was making a “routine transit through South China Sea” in a post on Thursday.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones was quoted as saying, “We have a long history of operating in the South China Sea, which continues to be a vital waterway for the entire international community.

“This deployment demonstrates our commitment to regional security, upholding a peaceful South China Sea that remains open for trade. Australian vessels and aircraft uphold international law during freedom of navigation and overflight to exercise, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

There were no reports of Chinese warnings or objections as of publication.