China has launched military exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, involving warships. About this informs Euronews.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that China had given advance warning of possible live fire during the exercises. Commercial flights have been advised to avoid airspace over the Tasman Sea as a result, and at least three aircraft have already rerouted. Australian defense agencies have no confirmation that China actually conducted live firing.
At the same time, Albanese assured that the threat has already passed:
“There was no immediate danger to Australian or New Zealand facilities.”
Australian and New Zealand warships, as well as P-8 Poseidon aircraft, have been tracking three Chinese vessels for several days – the frigate “Hengyang”, the cruiser “Zunyi” and the supply ship “Weishanhu”.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation with the presence of Chinese ships near Australia continues to develop. She also noted that the Australian side has already raised the issue of the transparency of the exercises, in particular regarding the possible use of live fire.
