A trio of Chinese naval ships is readying to sail out of Sydney Harbour, leaving behind a political storm.
A Liberal backbencher and former minister says there is no doubt the ships' visit - which came as a surprise to many - was a projection of power.
"The decision to approve the visit to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre was not only insensitive but demonstrates that Beijing can dictate terms and we just acquiesce," Concetta Fierravanti-Wells writes in The Australian on Friday.
"Scott Morrison's cabinet of groupthinkers and those responsible for the decision have sought refuge in appeasement. They were totally outmanoeuvred by Beijing."
The senator says Australia should not be afraid to call out China "where it has failed to demonstrate the credentials of a good international citizen".
She was a minister for international development and the Pacific under Malcolm Turnbull, covering an area where China is increasingly flexing its muscles.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday the visit by the three ships to Sydney was planned, despite not having been publicly announced, and dismissed suggestions the timing was contentious.
He insisted it was a reciprocal visit after Australian naval ships visited China, and said the Chinese vessels were on their way home from the Middle East.
Senator Fierravanti-Wells said this was misleading.
"Many Chinese-Australians continue to take a courageous stand against the regime," she wrote.
"I am sure the timing of the PLA naval visit would not sit well with many of them."
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said it wasn't in Australia's national interest for this to become a partisan battle.
"However, I also think that it would be reasonable that there be public notification of the visit of any vessels into Sydney Harbour," he told reporters in Sydney.
"The fact that the NSW government of Gladys Berejiklian apparently weren't informed, I think requires some further explanation of just why it that didn't happen."
