Chinese naval ships conducted "live fire" drills in international waters approximately 150 nautical miles off Australia's eastern coast earlier this week. The exercises, which involved a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker, took place halfway between Australia and New Zealand in the Tasman Sea. The Australian government received no prior notice of these drills, leading to disruptions in commercial air flights.
Defence Minister Richard Marles disclosed that China gave a warning about the live firing as the vessels sailed in the Tasman Sea. The unexpected military activity prompted Australia's air safety agency to issue warnings to commercial flights. Airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand adjusted their flight paths to avoid the area.
"Reports of live firing in international waters" – Airservices Australia
This incident is the latest in a series of tense interactions between China and Australia within the Asia-Pacific region's contested airspace and shipping lanes. In 2024, tension escalated when a Chinese fighter jet intercepted an Australian Seahawk helicopter in international airspace, dropping flares across its flight path. Beijing insists these maneuvers are part of standard training exercises.
"The exercises were conducted in a safe, standard, and professional manner at all times, in accordance with relevant international laws and practices" – China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun
The Chinese government's description of the exercises as "safe, standard and professional" has done little to ease Canberra's concerns. Last week, Australia criticized China for "unsafe" military conduct after a Chinese fighter jet allegedly dropped flares near an Australian air force plane patrolling the South China Sea.
"Violating Chinese sovereignty and endangering Chinese national security" – Beijing (referring to the Australian plane's actions)
In 2023, another confrontation occurred when a Chinese destroyer was accused of bombarding submerged Australian navy divers with sonar pulses off Japan, resulting in minor injuries.
Despite these incidents, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured that there was no immediate danger to Australian or New Zealand assets from the recent naval drills.
"No imminent risk of danger" – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
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