The Premier of Western Australia has called for a bigger naval presence along the coastline as three Chinese warships continue their circumnavigation of Australia.

The Department of Defence said today the three vessels – a frigate, a missile cruiser and a replenishment vessel – were 170 nautical miles (314 km) south-east of Perth.

Premier Roger Cook said he was concerned by the presence of the People’s Liberation Army – Navy ships off the WA coast.

“We’ve always said that we wanted more grey ships (surface warships) on the west coast, particularly the north-west,” he said.

The vessels have been sailing west for past days since they conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea last month.

A political row erupted about Australia’s naval preparedness when it was revealed the ADF only learnt about the exercises 30 minutes after they began when they were alerted by civil aviation officials.

They were alerted by a Virgin Australia pilot who had to divert their plane upon hearing a broadcast from the Chinese ships

Chinese officials vehemently rejected the suggestion that its navy didn’t warn Australia of their activities and accused the federal government of hyping up the incident.

Meanwhile, the Coalition this week announced it would spend at least $3 billion to purchase another 28 F-35 advanced warplanes in response to the growing assertiveness of China.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also refused to comment about reports the foreign minister of Papua New Guinea was notified about the live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea two weeks ago.

Albanese said the Chinese warships had been monitored by Australian or New Zealand ships and surveillance planes throughout their voyage.

The Defence Department said today it is continuing to monitor the Chinese task group while it remains within Australia’s maritime approaches.