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2mo ago

Chinese Naval Drills Near Australia Raise Security Concerns in Pacific

China's expanding military presence includes live-fire exercises off Australia's coast, prompting regional unease and closer monitoring by Australia and New Zealand.

The Chinese navy frigate CNS Hengyang, front, and replenishment ship CNS Weishanhu transit the Coral Sea northeast of Australia on February 15, 2025.
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Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, initially played down the surprise action of the Chinese warships, which was called in by a Virgin Australia pilot

Overview

  • China conducted live-fire naval drills off Australia's east coast, disrupting commercial flights and raising alarms in the region.
  • The Chinese naval task group, including a destroyer, frigate, and supply ship, operated near Australia's territorial waters but complied with international law.
  • Australia and New Zealand closely monitored the Chinese fleet, highlighting gaps in their military coordination and readiness to respond to such actions.
  • China's ambassador to Australia defended the drills as routine and within international norms, while some experts view them as strategic intimidation.
  • The exercises are part of China's broader effort to expand its naval reach in the Pacific, adding to concerns about its growing influence in the region.