New Zealand Defence Minister, Judith Collins has stated that Chinese warships conducted a second live firing practice in international waters between Australia and New Zealand.
“We are aware of reporting from the New Zealand Defence Force that the Chinese naval Task Group has advised of a second window for live firing activity, on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time,” according to Radio New Zealand.
“We have had confirmation that personnel on Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha observed live rounds being fired from the Zunyi’s main gun, as would be expected during the course of such an exercise,” the defence chief said.
She added that the Defence Ministry was working with civil aviation to ensure all aircraft are notified.
Earlier, Australia Defence Minister Richard Marles said China has not given a “satisfactory ” answer for its warships firing into airspace off the Australian Coast.
Marles said Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised this issue with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during their meeting on the side-lines of a G20 foreign ministers summit in South Africa.
Commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand were put on notice Friday because of “fears” of possible live-fire exercises by two Chinese warships southeast of Sydney in international waters.
The directive prompted several international flights to divert routes.
He emphasised that, despite the short notice, China has not violated international law.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese talked with his New Zealand colleague, Christopher Luxon, on Friday and stated that there is no threat to either Australian or New Zealand assets.
Albanese stated that the vessels issued an alert indicating that they would be conducting drills, including the possibility of live fire, but that it was unclear whether live firing had occurred.
