Chinese Naval Drills Near Australia Raise Security Concerns in Pacific

China's expanding military presence includes live-fire exercises off Australia's coast, prompting regional unease and closer monitoring by Australia and New Zealand.

• China conducted live-fire naval drills off Australia's east coast, disrupting commercial flights and raising alarms in the region.
• The Chinese naval task group, including a destroyer, frigate, and supply ship, operated near Australia's territorial waters but complied with international law.
• Australia and New Zealand closely monitored the Chinese fleet, highlighting gaps in their military coordination and readiness to respond to such actions.
• China's ambassador to Australia defended the drills as routine and within international norms, while some experts view them as strategic intimidation.
• The exercises are part of China's broader effort to expand its naval reach in the Pacific, adding to concerns about its growing influence in the region.

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