Beijing accuses Australia of deliberately hyping Chinese naval drills
3 Min Read
The Chinese Defense Ministry's spokesperson says that China's drills were fully compliant with all international laws, emphasizing that live rounds were fired after issuing several safety notices.
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People's Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang travels in the Torres Strait off Australia's coast, on February 11, 2025. (AP)
China accused Australia of "deliberately hyping" recent Chinese naval drills near the Australian coast on Sunday, confirming that Beijing's navy fired live rounds after issuing a warning that forced airplanes to change course.
Australian and New Zealand authorities have been monitoring three Chinese vessels that were spotted in international waters near the Tasman Sea, and Canberra said that they have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation from China for the drills.
The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that the "relevant remarks of the Australian side are completely inconsistent with facts," adding, "During the period, China organized live-fire training of naval guns toward the sea based on repeatedly issuing prior safety notices."
Defense Ministry Spokesperson Wu Qian, emphasized that China's actions were "in full compliance with international law and international practices, with no impact on aviation flight safety," adding that "Australia, while well aware of this, made unreasonable accusations against China and deliberately hyped it up."
Xian confirmed that Chinese naval forces used live fire, "During the period, China organized live-fire training of naval guns toward the sea on the basis of repeatedly issuing prior safety notices."
Australia and New Zealand monitor China's drills
New Zealand's government reported that a live-fire drill was conducted by a Chinese task force on Saturday on the second day of Chinese military exercises in international waters.
New Zealand Defende Minister Judith Collins' announced on Saturday that personnel aboard a New Zealand frigate "observed live rounds being fired from Zunyi's main gun, as would be expected during the course of such an exercise."
She added, "As happened yesterday, the Chinese Task Group advised via radio channels of its intent to conduct live firing," emphasizing that the New Zealand Defence Force was working with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority to ensure all aircraft are notified."
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that while China had adhered to international law, it did not follow the best practice of giving a 12-24 hours' notice, adding that Australia stressed this to China.
New Zealand and Australian ships sailed across the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 7 years on 25 September 2024, following Germany sailing its warships across the strait for the first time in 22 years.
