Chinese Navy Conducts Live-Fire Drills in International Waters Near Australia

The unprecedented naval exercises, involving sophisticated Chinese warships, prompted flight diversions and raised security concerns for Australia and New Zealand.

• Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire drills approximately 340 nautical miles southeast of Sydney in the Tasman Sea, marking a significant show of military presence in the region.
• Australia and New Zealand closely monitored the Chinese flotilla, which included advanced warships from the Southern Theatre Command Navy, citing concerns over transparency and prior notification of the exercises.
• The drills prompted airlines, including Qantas and Air New Zealand, to divert flights after warnings from the Chinese navy about restricted airspace over the area.
• Australian and New Zealand officials criticized the lack of advance notice from Beijing, while China defended the drills as lawful and in accordance with international norms.
• The exercises reflect China's growing military reach and are viewed as a message to U.S. allies about its operational capabilities in the Pacific.

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