On February 28, China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, stated that his country had no reason to apologize for the military drills conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand. The drills, which forced at least 49 flights to change their paths, have raised concerns from both Australia and New Zealand regarding the lack of adequate notice from China’s navy.
Ambassador Xiao Qian emphasized that the drills complied with international law and that advance notice was given, following international practices. “I don’t see there is any reason why the Chinese side should feel sorry about that, or even think about apologizing for that,” Mr. Xiao told ABC News in an interview.
Mr. Xiao asserted that the drills did not pose any threat to Australia, one of China’s largest trading partners, and suggested that Canberra should expect more Chinese ships in the region in the future. He stated, “As a major power in this region, as a country that has so many things to look after, it is normal for China to send its vessels to different parts of the region to conduct various kinds of activities.”
The Chinese navy task group, consisting of a frigate, cruiser, and replenishment vessel, continued west across the Great Australian Bight on February 28, according to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Australian air traffic control agency officials informed a parliamentary committee that a Virgin Australia pilot was the first to alert them about the live-fire drill, after receiving a message from the Chinese task group on an emergency radio channel monitored mostly by pilots. Australia’s defence chief, David Johnston, told the committee on February 27 that the Defence Department likely became aware of the drill more than 30 minutes after it started.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is trailing in polls ahead of a national election due by May, downplayed the incident, stating that the drills occurred in international waters and that China did not break any maritime laws. However, the opposition Liberal-National coalition argued that it would be a major incident if the Australian defence force became aware of the drills late and had to be alerted by a commercial pilot.