Australia Informed 30 Minutes Late on Chinese Live-Fire Exercises

Australia's Defence Force was only made aware of live-fire exercises conducted by the Chinese navy in the Tasman Sea after a Virgin Australia pilot reported them, approximately 30 minutes after the drills began. Defence Chief Admiral David Johnston stated that the Australian military received no direct notification from the Chinese navy, and the New Zealand military took an additional hour to inform their Australian counterparts. Johnston criticized the lack of communication, describing it as 'inadequate' and 'irresponsible,' while Senator James Paterson echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for timely notifications for military exercises. The three Chinese warships were operating within Australia’s exclusive economic zone, prompting the Australian Defence Force to monitor the situation closely, although it remains unclear if a submarine was accompanying the task group. Johnston confirmed that 49 flights were diverted due to the hazardous nature of the activities, highlighting the disruptive impact of the drills. The Australian military expressed a preference for at least 24 to 48 hours' notice for such exercises.