BEIJING, April 2 (Reuters) - China's embassy in Australia rejected reports linking the transit of a Chinese research vessel south of Australia with the country's upcoming federal elections, saying the vessel's passage had "nothing to do with China-Australia relations".

The recent activities of the vessel are part of routine scientific research and the route was set in accordance with the international waterway, the embassy said in a statement , opens new tab on Wednesday, adding that it had kept close communication with the Australian side on the issue.

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https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-says-transit-research-vessel-not-linked-australian-elections-2025-04-02/