Australia Criticizes China's Handling of Naval Drills Near Its Waters

Chinese warships conducted exercises near Australia's east coast, prompting concerns over notification standards despite compliance with international law.

• Three Chinese warships, including a frigate and a replenishment vessel, conducted military exercises off Australia's east coast, reportedly including live-fire drills.
• Australia was first alerted to the exercises by a Virgin Airlines pilot, with official notification coming later from New Zealand authorities.
• Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles criticized the timing and adequacy of China's notification but acknowledged it complied with international law.
• It remains unclear whether live-fire drills occurred during the initial exercises, as no such activity was observed by a nearby New Zealand frigate.
• The flotilla is now located 500km west of Hobart, near the edge of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone, with speculation about the presence of a Chinese nuclear submarine.

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