The New Zealand government stated that the Chinese Navy conducted live-fire exercises last Saturday in international waters near the Pacific nation. This followed similar exercises conducted by the Chinese Navy between Australia and New Zealand the previous day, which forced several airlines to alter their flight paths.
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02-23, 2025A spokesperson for New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins said in a statement: "We are aware of reports from the New Zealand Defence Force that the Chinese Navy task force advised of a second live firing activity to occur on Saturday afternoon." The statement highlights the importance of maintaining situational awareness in such circumstances.
The statement said sailors on the New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha observed the main guns of the Chinese warships firing live rounds. The task force had "advised its intention to conduct live firing via radio channels." This communication protocol is essential for maritime safety and avoiding misunderstandings.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said earlier on Saturday that it was not yet clear where the Chinese naval vessels were headed in international waters and for what purpose. "What we are doing is monitoring, tracking and shadowing that fleet," he said in Christchurch. He also added that China's actions were consistent with international law, emphasizing the importance of adherence to established legal frameworks.
According to Radio New Zealand, the live-fire exercises on Saturday were held in the Tasman Sea. On Friday, several airlines, including Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand, had to modify flight paths between Australia and New Zealand after China announced its navy would conduct live-fire exercises in international waters off the coast of New South Wales.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Saturday that Beijing had failed to provide a satisfactory reason for the short notice given for Friday's live-fire exercises. "We did not receive notification from China, we became aware of it on the day," he told ABC Radio Perth. He added, "What China has done is put out a notice indicating that it intended to undertake live firing, and I mean airlines, commercial aircraft flying across the Tasman, specifically, received that broadcast."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun stated that China abided by international law. "The exercises were conducted in accordance with relevant international law and international practice, in a safe, standardized and professional manner," he said, underscoring China's commitment to responsible maritime activities.
Prior to the live-fire exercises, a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy frigate, cruiser, and supply ship entered Australia's offshore waters last week and sailed along the east coast this week, monitored by the Australian and New Zealand military.
Earlier this month, Australia also complained about an "unsafe and unprofessional" action by a Chinese fighter jet against an Australian maritime patrol aircraft operating in the South China Sea. Beijing accused the Australian aircraft of "deliberately intruding" into its airspace.
China refuses to accept a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that found China's claims to almost the entire South China Sea are inconsistent with international law, parts of which are also claimed by some Southeast Asian countries.
