Australia, New Zealand monitoring three Chinese navy vessels offshore
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New Zealand reported that a Chinese naval task force fired live rounds in a new offshore drill Saturday after issuing a warning by radio broadcast.
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HMNZS Te Kaha crew were monitoring three Chinese naval ships who have ruffled feathers, after carrying out what may have been live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, between New Zealand and Australia. (US NAVY)
A Chinese naval task force conducted a live-fire drill on Saturday, firing live rounds after issuing a radio warning, the government of New Zealand reported.
This marks the second consecutive day of Chinese military exercises in international waters between New Zealand and Australia, prompting authorities to alert commercial airlines once again.
New Zealand and Australia have been closely monitoring the movements of three Chinese navy vessels—a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker—since they were first detected off Australia’s coast last week.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins’ office confirmed that personnel aboard a New Zealand naval frigate "observed live rounds being fired from the Zunyi's main gun, as would be expected during the course of such an exercise." The Chinese ships were operating in international waters in the Tasman Sea, her office stated.
"As happened yesterday, the Chinese Task Group advised via radio channels of its intent to conduct live firing," the statement added. It also noted that the New Zealand Defence Force was "working with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority to ensure all aircraft are notified," emphasizing that "the safety of all people, aircraft, and vessels in the area remains our paramount concern."
New Zealand said it would "communicate appropriately" regarding concerns over the timing of notifications and best practices.
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Australian officials claimed on Saturday they had not yet received a satisfactory explanation from Beijing regarding Friday’s drill. The warships’ "disconcerting" live-fire warning had forced commercial flights to alter their routes, Australian authorities claimed.
During Friday’s exercise, "no weapon firings were heard or seen" despite the Chinese task force temporarily deploying a floating firing target, according to Canberra.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that while China had adhered to international law, it did not follow best practice by providing 12-24 hours’ notice. "Canberra had raised this with Beijing," he added.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also discussed the issue directly with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Johannesburg.
Beijing, for its part, described Friday’s drills as "safe, standard, and professional" and in compliance with international law.
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