In an unexpected military manoeuvre, three Chinese warships have conducted an apparent live-fire drill in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, prompting the diversion of at least three commercial flights.
As reported by The Guardian, the exercise took place approximately 340 nautical miles off Eden on the New South Wales south coast. While the drill was carried out in accordance with international law, it has raised questions about regional security and diplomatic relations.
Details of the Naval Exercise
The Chinese navy notified the Australian Defence Department shortly before the exercise, which involved three People’s Liberation Army-Navy vessels: the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu. These vessels, collectively known as Taskgroup 107, conducted the drill in international waters, demonstrating strategic naval capabilities.
According to reports, the ships changed formation, placed a target in the water, maneuvered again, and then recovered the target. Although no live fire was observed, the strategic movements were consistent with live-fire drill protocols. Notably, no surface-to-air firing was recorded during the exercise.
Monitoring and Diplomatic Reactions
The flotilla was closely monitored by a New Zealand navy vessel, which observed the manoeuvres from a safe distance. Australia, too, maintained a vigilant watch over the Chinese fleet as it moved down the Australian coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “Australia and New Zealand ships and aircraft have been monitoring the Chinese fleet … as you would expect us to be doing.”
Albanese acknowledged that China had issued an alert about the drill, including the possibility of live fire, emphasizing that the activity took place outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone and was consistent with international law. Despite this, Australia has sought further details about the exercise through defense attaches in Canberra and Beijing, reflecting cautious diplomatic engagement.
The military drill notably disrupted civil aviation, with at least three commercial flights diverting their course to avoid the affected airspace. Although the Australian military viewed the exercise as a “significant disruption,” it did not perceive an elevated risk to airspace users. The incident highlights the complexities of balancing military activities with commercial and civilian safety in international zones.
Political Responses and Accusations of ‘Gunboat Diplomacy’
China’s exercise has ignited political debate in Australia. Shadow Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie criticized the government’s response, accusing China of engaging in “gunboat diplomacy.” He argued that the incident was a direct result of what he perceived as weak leadership from Prime Minister Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“For two and a half years, Anthony Albanese and Richard Marles have refused to stand up for our ADF personnel,” Hastie asserted. “The Australian people deserve to know what is going on, and they deserve better leadership from our weak prime minister.”
These remarks underscore the political tension surrounding national security and Australia’s foreign policy stance towards China, which has been a contentious issue in recent years.
Strategic and Diplomatic Implications
China’s decision to conduct a military drill near Australia and New Zealand carries significant strategic and diplomatic implications. It serves as a reminder of China’s expanding military reach and its willingness to assert its naval power in the Indo-Pacific region. While the exercise was conducted in accordance with international law, its proximity to Australian airspace and the disruption of commercial flights highlight the potential risks of miscommunication or miscalculation.
Moreover, the incident raises questions about regional security dynamics. China’s naval manoeuvres in international waters, though legal, could be interpreted as a strategic message to Australia and its allies. It reflects the ongoing power competition in the Indo-Pacific, where freedom of navigation and territorial sovereignty remain sensitive issues.
Australia faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with diplomatic prudence. While monitoring the activities of Chinese warships is crucial for maintaining regional stability, overreaction could exacerbate tensions. Conversely, underestimating the strategic implications could leave Australia vulnerable in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Main Image: By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shannon Renfroe https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34668611
