P-8A Poseidon/HMAS Melbourne deployed to enforce North Korea sanctions

RAAF is deploying a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Japan, from where it will conduct maritime surveillance operations to enforce sanctions against North Korea.

FILE PHOTO: A RAAF P-8A Poseidon passes HMAS Darwin (HMAS Melbourne’s sister ship) at sea. Photo by Leading Seaman Peter Thompson.

Also, as part of its current deployment to the region, HMAS Melbourne will conduct surveillance patrols with international partners.

Defence says Australia remains committed to implementing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, and would continue working with partners to monitor and deter ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods.

“Since 2018, Australia has supported international efforts to deter and disrupt illicit trade and sanctions-evasion activities by North Korea and its associated networks,” a Defence spokesman said.

“Last year, Australia deployed maritime patrol aircraft on three occasions, in April, September and December.

“Australia welcomes continued denuclearisation negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

“Australia, working with international partners, is committed to maintaining pressure on North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.

“These deployments support ongoing economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.”

HMAS Melbourne is currently undertaking a North East Asia deployment and recently participated in China’s International Fleet Review in Qingdao.

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