- China conducts live-fire naval exercises between Australia and New Zealand.
- Australia criticizes inadequate notice, leading to flight diversions.
- China accuses Australia of exaggerating the situation.
- New Zealand monitors second day of Chinese drills.
- Diplomatic discussions held to address rising tensions.
In February 2025, China held live-fire naval exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand. The sudden drills forced several commercial flights to change routes as airlines received last-minute warnings. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles criticized Beijing for the short notice, calling it “disconcerting” for aviation safety.
In response, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian accused Australia of “deliberately hyping” the issue. He claimed China gave multiple safety notices in advance and followed international law, ensuring no threat to aviation safety. Wu expressed deep surprise and strong dissatisfaction with Australia’s reaction.
China’s Naval Drills Raise Regional Concerns
New Zealand observed the Chinese navy conducting live-fire exercises for the second day. The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed that a Chinese vessel fired live rounds from its main gun. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that China acted within international law. However, New Zealand actively monitored and followed the fleet to ensure regional security.
The unexpected drills triggered diplomatic protests from Australia and New Zealand. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised concerns with her Chinese counterpart. She stressed the importance of transparent and professional military conduct to avoid misunderstandings. Despite China’s assurances, the situation has increased worries about regional security and highlighted the need for clear communication.
China’s naval exercises in the Tasman Sea have strained relations with Australia and New Zealand. The lack of proper notice and resulting flight disruptions revealed the importance of better communication. This incident emphasized the need for transparency in military operations to maintain regional stability and trust among nations.