The Australian Defence Department confirmed reports Saturday that a Chinese spy ship has been operating off the country's northeast coast in the vicinity of joint military exercises involving Australian, U.S., Japanese and other troops.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy Type 815 Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside its exclusive economic zone in the Coral Sea, the Defence Department said in a statement.

"The vessel's presence has not detracted from the Exercise objectives," the statement said. "Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters in accordance with international law."