China makes tough statement about military exercises near Australia

On February 26, the ABC reported that the Australian Ministry of Defense had strongly reacted to the live-fire exercise conducted by the Chinese navy on February 21 in the Tasman Sea (between Australia and New Zealand). The exercise took place in international waters, but Canberra criticized Beijing for giving almost no advance notice of the exercise, thus endangering flight routes in the area. That day, 49 flights over the sea had to suddenly change their flight paths.

Sailors on an Australian warship look towards Chinese naval vessels in the Tasman Sea on February 3.

In response, Ambassador Xiao Tian said that the Chinese navy had complied with international law and given prior notice in accordance with international practice. "In my opinion, this notice is appropriate. I don't see any reason for the Chinese side to feel guilty about it or to think about apologizing," Xiao said. In addition, the diplomat affirmed that the exercise did not threaten Australia, but indicated that more Chinese ships would soon arrive in the area.

According to the New Zealand military, a group of Chinese naval ships including a frigate, a cruiser and a supply ship continued to move west on February 28, currently in the Great Australian Bay area.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-tuyen-bo-cung-ve-cuoc-tap-tran-gan-uc-185250228231656538.htm