New Zealand has raised concerns over Chinese warships conducting live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, sparking a unprecedented show of firepower that has prompted passenger planes to change course mid-flight.
The drills, which took place on Friday and Saturday, involved a Chinese Navy formation holding two live-fire exercises between Australia and New Zealand. The presence of these ships has raised concerns among officials in both countries, with New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins describing the drills as “unprecedented” and “a change”.
Collins stated that the weapons used by the Chinese Navy are “extremely capable”, including a Type 055 destroyer with 112 vertical launch cells and a reported anti-ship ballistic missile range of 540 nautical miles. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships were sailing down the coast of Australia since mid-February, according to the Australian Defense Force.
China’s growing blue-water navy ambitions have been on full display in recent years, with the country expanding its maritime presence and conducting exercises in international waters. Analysts say that these drills are part of Beijing’s plan to build a global naval power with capabilities rivaling those of the US Navy.
The latest live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea are seen as a significant development in China’s efforts to assert its military influence in the region. The presence of a full- fledged combat flotilla this far south is unprecedented, and experts say that it signals growing operational confidence of the PLA Navy.
China’s Defense Ministry has responded to criticism from Australia, stating that the drills complied with international law and did not affect aviation safety. However, New Zealand officials have expressed concerns over the short notice given for the warning, which was issued just a couple of hours before the drills began.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/24/world/china-live-fire-drills-rattle-nz-aus-intl-hnk/index.html