The update, at the same time, disclosed the Dong Hai Jiu 101 (DHJ 101) from China was at anchor off Fremantle.

“DHJ 101 is awaiting the onset of better weather in the search area,” explained the update which was emailed by Communications Officer Daniel J. T. O’Malley, The Operational Search for MH370, ATSB.

The Chinese vessel, was expected to recommence search operations “when the weather improves”.

Strong to gale force winds are expected in the search area over the coming days, it said. “This may impact search operations.”

Security experts consulted by The Australian believe the Chinese vessel was engaged in spying activities instead of looking for the Malaysian plane.

Most of the 239 people on board MH370 were from China.

Some 10,000 sq km remain to be scoured by Christmas day for the Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Earlier, 110,000 sq km were covered in a futile search.

The search is based on pings, electronic handshakes between the aircraft and a satellite, and no other evidence.

MH370 disappeared on 8 March 2014 between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

It’s known the plane stopped just short of Vietnam before turning back and making across the Malay Peninsula. Military radar tracked it over Pulau Perak as well before being seen at the northern tip of Sumatra.

Thereafter, it’s a complete mystery on where the aircraft went.

The MH370-related debris found so far have all been in the western Indian Ocean, along the southern and eastern coasts of Africa. According to ATSB, this fits in with the drift pattern of ocean currents and confirms the aircraft may be in the southern Indian Ocean as indicated by the pings.

China, which had the most number of passengers on board MH370, has contributed A$20 million of the A$180 million Budget for the search efforts and a vessel.

Australia, leading the search at the request of Malaysia, had six nationals and residents on board the plane.