China accuses Australia, Live-Fire-Marine-Drills-DW-23.02.2025 for “Hyping”

China rejected Australia's allegations on Sunday that there was no reasonable announcement before carrying out naval exercises in international waters.

China's Ministry of Defense said that Canberra had “raised inappropriate allegations” and “set up” the situation on purpose after three flights were derived from Beijing.

On Saturday, China carried out live fires in international waters between Australia and New Zealand for the second time in a row, which led to disorders on flights.

Three passenger flights that drove to New Zealand were redirected, which complained about both Australia and New Zealand about an inadequate prior notice.

Marles said that China had not violated international law, but it was not the best practice to terminate 12 to 24 hours and that Canberra had addressed this problem with Beijing.

The Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles said on Saturday that the government did not yet have a “satisfactory answer from China when asked by the announcement of the exercises”, of which he said that it was “worrying” for commercial aviation.

What did China say?

Wu Qian, the best spokesman for the ministry, said China was not violating international law and previously announced.

“During this time, China organized the live firing training of naval weapons towards the sea on the basis of the repeated edition of previous security awareness,” said Wu in a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Defense.

“The relevant comments from the Australian side are completely incompatible with the facts,” he added.

WU said there was no effect on air safety for passenger aircraft.

“Australia that fully knew made unreasonable accusations against China and deliberately excited it,” said Wu.

“We are deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied.”

Published by Zac Crellin