Chinese Naval Drills Near Australia Disrupt International Air Traffic

China's military conducts live-fire exercises in international waters, prompting flight reroutes and raising concerns in Australia and New Zealand.

Three Chinese warships, including a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply vessel, have been operating in international waters between Australia and New Zealand for several days.
China initiated live-fire military exercises, leading to airspace restrictions and the rerouting of multiple international flights for safety reasons.
Australian officials, including Defense Minister Richard Marles, expressed concerns about the lack of advance notice for the exercises, which disrupted civilian air traffic.
China's Foreign Ministry stated the drills comply with international law and described them as routine military operations in open seas.
The incident follows heightened tensions between Australia and China, including a recent dispute over alleged airspace violations involving military aircraft.