Chinese Naval Live-Fire Exercises Near Australia and New Zealand Raise Concerns

Military drills in international waters disrupted flights and drew criticism over insufficient advance warnings.

Chinese naval vessels, including a frigate, cruiser, and supply ship, conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand's military confirmed observing live ammunition fired from the Chinese cruiser Zunyi during the exercises on February 22.
Australia and New Zealand criticized the late warnings issued by China, which disrupted commercial flight paths and required rerouting for safety.
Chinese officials defended the drills as safe, professional, and compliant with international law, though specifics on ammunition use were initially unclear.
The exercises are part of a series of incidents in recent years that have heightened tensions between China and Australia over military activity in the Asia-Pacific region.