Australia, New Zealand monitor ‘unusual’ movement of three Chinese warships
Al Jazeera2 days
Chinese Warship Drill Near Australia Diverts Flights
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Above: China's first Type 054B frigate in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province on Jan. 22, 2025 Image copyright: Pu Haiyang/Xinhua via Getty Images
The Facts
Fears over the Chinese navy holding live-fire drills on Friday in international waters between Australia and New Zealand resulted in commercial flight diversion, as China reportedly warned an Emirates plane to avoid the airspace.
Three Chinese naval vessels, including the frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and supply ship Weishanhu, have been tracked moving near Australia — a development the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed not to recognize.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles dubbed the naval presence "unusual" but not "unprecedented," while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the vessels were operating in accordance with international law.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
The Chinese warships' presence in South Pacific waters is a normal part of far-seas training exercises aimed at boosting operational capabilities in distant waters, fully complying with international law and maritime norms, and there is no need for concern about vessels operating in international waters.
Anti-China narrative
This unprecedented naval presence off Australia's coast represents a clear signal of China's growing military power projection capabilities and determination to normalize military operations near Australian territory, marking a significant shift in regional strategic dynamics.
