China has recently carried out a second live-fire exercise in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, drawing attention from both nations.
“We are aware that the New Zealand Defence Force received reports of a second live-firing exercise. The Chinese naval task group advised that it would take place on Saturday afternoon, New Zealand time,” Collins told Radio New Zealand.
She confirmed that personnel aboard the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha saw live rounds fired from the Chinese warship Zunyi’s main gun. Collins noted that such actions were expected in this type of exercise.
She added that the Defence Ministry was working with civil aviation authorities to ensure all aircraft received the necessary notifications.
Australia seeks more information
Earlier, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said China had not given a satisfactory explanation for its warships firing into airspace off the Australian coast.
He noted that Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised the issue with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Their discussion took place during a G20 foreign ministers’ summit in South Africa.
“I don’t think China has provided a clear response about the advance notice. We would have preferred more warning to avoid yesterday’s concerns,” Marles said.
Impact on commercial flights
On Friday, aviation authorities warned commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand about possible live-fire exercises by two Chinese warships. The ships were operating in international waters southeast of Sydney.
Several international flights altered their routes as a precaution.
“We received a notification about a live-firing event, but it’s unclear if it actually took place,” Marles said.
Despite the short notice, he emphasised that China had not broken international law.
No threat to Australian or New Zealand assets
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon. He assured Luxon that no Australian or New Zealand assets were at risk.
Albanese confirmed that the Chinese vessels issued an alert about their planned exercises. These drills included the possibility of live fire. However, he reiterated that it remained uncertain whether the firing occurred.
Earlier incident over the South China Sea
Last week, Australia’s Defence Ministry reported an incident involving a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian military aircraft over the South China Sea. Officials described the interaction as “unsafe and unprofessional.”
Canberra stated that a People’s Liberation Army J-16 fighter jet released flares near a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon. The Australian aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance mission.
China’s Defence Ministry denied Australia’s claims. It accused Canberra of spreading “false narratives” and violating China’s rights in the region.
