Chinese Undersea Spy System Discovered Near Bali & Lombok

A torpedo-shaped device discovered in the strategically vital Lombok Strait has been identified by defense analysts as a Chinese undersea monitoring system.

The device, measuring 3.7 meters in length and 65 centimeters in width, was found north of Gili Trawangan island. The Indonesian Navy has since transported the object to the Mataram naval base on Lombok for an in-depth examination of its origin, purpose, and stored data.

Chinese Undersea Monitoring System and Strategic Risks

Maritime defense analyst HI Sutton identified the device as a Deep-Sea Real-Time Transmission Mooring System developed by the Chinese 710 Research Institute. The institute specializes in underwater attack and defense.

The system is designed to be anchored to the sea floor, using sensors to monitor temperature, depth, currents, and “sound and target information.” Data is then transmitted to the surface via communication buoys.

While similar systems are used by the United States, Japan, and India, analysts suggest the presence of this specific buoy indicates China may be maintaining a network of sensors to provide real-time information for submarine operations.

Collin Koh, an expert in maritime security, noted that the system’s acoustic sensors make it “undersea warfare capable.” He described the technology as “dual-use,” meaning it can serve both civilian scientific research and military intelligence purposes.

Strategic Importance of the Lombok Strait

The Lombok Strait serves as a crucial economic and military corridor. With a minimum depth of 250 meters, it is a vital route for deep-draft vessels that cannot navigate the Malacca Strait.

Military analysts emphasize that the strait is a critical transit point for Australian and allied forces moving through Southeast Asian waters toward the South China Sea and potential flashpoints like Taiwan.

Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), suggested the device was likely deployed by a Chinese ship or submarine to monitor activity in the strait to better track and potentially attack submarines during a conflict.

Diplomatic and Legal Responses

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the concerns, stating there is “no need for excessive interpretation or suspicion.” The spokesperson claimed China conducts marine research in accordance with international law and suggested the equipment may have drifted into territorial waters due to a malfunction.

The legality of the device remains contested. Researchers have questioned whether such an object qualifies as a “ship” under international law and if it is entitled to navigation rights through Indonesian waters.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence stated that it will not draw premature conclusions before official findings are available. Brigadier General Rico Sirait said the government will respond by enhancing the monitoring of national waters.

Security experts suggest Indonesia may seek to resolve the matter quietly to avoid public scrutiny and maintain regional stability, citing similar incidents with unmanned underwater vehicles in previous years.