New Zealand Raises Concerns Over Chinese Warship Live-Fire Drills

New Zealand and Australia have expressed serious concerns over recent live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea, which involved advanced weaponry and little prior notice, prompting flight diversions. New Zealand's Defense Minister Judith Collins highlighted the unprecedented capabilities of the Chinese task force during these exercises, which included ships equipped with 112 vertical launch cells and a range of 540 nautical miles for anti-ship ballistic missiles. Both nations emphasized the need for better communication from China regarding military exercises in international waters, with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong seeking explanations from their Chinese counterparts. Despite the tensions, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to visit China for discussions on bilateral relations and regional issues. China has defended the drills as compliant with international law, suggesting that such military exercises will become more commonplace. The situation reflects the complexities of New Zealand's relationship with China amidst growing geopolitical tensions in the region.