Army conference security stepped up Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre as Chinese attendance confirmed

A Chinese military representative will attend this week’s massive Army conference in Perth as security is stepped up around the city’s Convention and Exhibition Centre for an event featuring hundreds of weapons companies. Two years ago, the same event was staged in Melbourne where violent clashes broke out between anti-war protestors and police, prompting the Victorian government to withdraw from host the exposition in 2026. Twenty nations are sending military delegations headed by senior officers or defence officials to participate in this year’s Land Forces gathering and the West Australian can reveal an attaché from the People’s Liberation Army is also participating. Defence has declined to comment on China’s inclusion in the event, but the West has confirmed that all countries which have uniformed diplomatic staff posted in Australia are invited in accordance with long-standing practice.