Synopsis
On February 22, China conducted a second live firing exercise in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, raising concerns from both nations about the lack of prior communication and the implications of Chinese naval activities in the region.Key Takeaways
- China's second live firing exercise in the Tasman Sea raises regional tensions.
- New Zealand officials express concerns over lack of prior notice.
- Judith Collins describes the exercises as significant and unprecedented.
- Chinese naval presence includes advanced vessels not previously seen in the area.
- Commercial flights were impacted due to the live fire drills.
Wellington, Feb 22 (NationPress) In yet another provocative act, China executed its second live firing drill on Saturday in the Tasman Sea located between Australia and New Zealand.
The New Zealand Government expressed concern as this marked the second live firing exercise following warnings issued on Friday and Saturday.
New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Judith Collins, stated, "We are aware of reports from the New Zealand Defence Force indicating that the Chinese naval Task Group has announced a second window for live firing on Saturday afternoon, New Zealand time."
During an interview with Radio New Zealand on Friday, Collins remarked that the sighting of three Chinese naval vessels near Australia serves as a wake-up call for the people of New Zealand. The New Zealand Government had not received any advance notification from China regarding the dispatch of these three naval vessels to the Tasman Sea.
She described this as an unusual action, adding, "These are the most significant and advanced vessels we have observed this far south."
Previously, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remarked to local media that China had not informed New Zealand about their live exercises in the Tasman Sea prior to an evident live fire training on Friday.
He noted that the Chinese warships present in the Tasman Sea differed from previous encounters.
"This fleet includes a destroyer or cruiser, a frigate, and a refueller," he said.
The live fire drills carried out by the Chinese naval forces on Saturday led to the diversion of commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand.
The Australian government confronted China on Saturday for its failure to provide adequate notice ahead of the live fire training exercises in the waters between Australia and New Zealand.
