Australian Defence Force, ADF, today said that a Chinese spy ship has been detected off the Australian coast near joint war games underway between the United States, New Zealand and Australian militaries. <br/><br/>In a statement, the ADF said the Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy Type 815 Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence vessel was operating off the northeast coast during the Talisman Sabre war games. It said, the Chinese ship remained outside Australian territorial waters but was inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Coral Sea. <br/><br/>The statement said the vessel's presence has not detracted from the exercise objectives and Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters in accordance with international law. <br/><br/>More than 30,000 troops from the United States, New Zealand and Australia are taking part in biennial war games, which end in late July.<br/><br/>