Hundreds of Chinese satellites are currently passing over Australia collecting intelligence on military training activities involving the United States and other regional partners, according to commercial space data obtained by the ABC.

Key points:

  • Three Chinese geostationary orbit satellites manoeuvred into position over northern Australia to monitor July’s “Talisman Sabre” war games

  • Hundreds of smaller satellites are surveilling “Exercise Malabar”, which involves warships from the US, India and Japan

  • Experts say Beijing has extraordinary capability to gather intelligence on Australian military operations