New Zealand reported that the Chinese navy conducted a second live-fire exercise in international waters near the country on Saturday, following a similar drill a day earlier that disrupted commercial flights.
The New Zealand Defence Force observed live rounds fired from a Chinese vessel’s main gun during the exercise in the Tasman Sea. The Chinese naval task group communicated its intent to conduct live firing via radio channels.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the destination and purpose of the Chinese fleet remained unclear. “What we are doing is monitoring and shadowing and tracking the fleet,” he said in Christchurch, noting that China was acting in accordance with international law.
On Friday, airlines including Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand had to adjust flight paths between Australia and New Zealand after China announced its navy would hold live-fire exercises off Australia’s New South Wales coast.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles criticized the short notice provided by Beijing for Friday’s drill, describing it as “disconcerting” for commercial aviation. “When we do an activity of this kind, we would typically give 12 to 24 hours notice.”
Despite the concerns, both Australian and New Zealand leaders acknowledged that China complied with international law during the exercises. The incident adds to existing tensions between Australia and China, highlighted by recent military encounters and diplomatic disputes.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in South Africa to discuss “safe and professional military conduct.” Wang expressed hope that Australia would continue to “properly handle any differences and disagreements.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday the naval exercises “upheld safety standards and professional operations throughout in accordance with relevant international laws and international practices”.
The recent drills come after a Chinese fighter jet’s “unsafe and unprofessional” actions toward an Australian maritime patrol aircraft in the South China Sea earlier this month, further straining relations between the two nations.
