China’s military has begun live-fire exercises in the South Pacific, raising concerns from Australia and New Zealand as Beijing expands its naval operations in the region. The warships, including a guided missile cruiser and a frigate, were tracked sailing along Australia’s east coast before announcing the drills.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Chinese fleet had remained outside Australia’s territorial waters but emphasized that the situation was being closely monitored. Australian officials criticized the lack of communication from Beijing, noting that the drills were announced with little warning.
3 Chinese Navy warships are currently sailing just 150 nautical miles off Sydeny, Australia.
Last week, an Australian Navy aircraft was dangerously intercepted by a Chinese military helicopter. 1/3 @ElbridgeColby @TheresaAFallon pic.twitter.com/KdFjEvYH26
— Steve Anderson (@SteveAn71083739) February 20, 2025
Why is the democratic world allowing China to assert freedom of navigation just 150 nautical miles off Sydney with its Type 055? The largest warship in the world, weighing 12,000 tonnes with 112 missile launchers. Australia should START flying spy planes into China’s backyard! pic.twitter.com/RE7mbQlzYs
— John Code (@Johncodemode) February 20, 2025
Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that while China has the right to conduct military exercises in international waters, the sudden deployment of warships so far south was unusual. He stated that Australia was using naval and aerial surveillance to track the vessels.
Australia warns airlines to beware of a Chinese Navy live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea
Australia warned international airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand to beware of Chinese warships conducting a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea, Foreign Minister… pic.twitter.com/o2BILxDD3w
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 21, 2025
New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins also addressed the situation, confirming that her country was monitoring the Chinese ships. She expressed concern that China had not disclosed the purpose of the deployment or the full details of the live-fire drills.
Australia & New Zealand 🇳🇿
🛑 Fun facts
One of three Chinese 🇨🇳 warships currently in the Tasman Sea is one of most powerful weighting in at about 12,000 tonnes & equipped with 112 missile tubes.
The Renhai class guided missile cruiser Zunyi has twice the fire power of any… https://t.co/Gl1UP1HKDL pic.twitter.com/qHYCtyQyOh— The Consultant (@TheConsultant18) February 21, 2025
The Chinese naval movements follow an aerial encounter between Australian and Chinese military forces over the South China Sea last week. Australia accused China of reckless behavior after a Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian surveillance plane.
Three Chinese warships have sailed to Sydney. They’re 150 miles off the coast…
Why are they here?
What do they want?
Is China threatening Australia with invasion? This seems a very dangerous situation @AlboMP @SenatorWong @RichardMarlesMP @PeterDutton_MP @sussanley pic.twitter.com/nkkPAqpPSJ
— Lisa (@Lisa9Sophia) February 19, 2025
As Beijing increases its military footprint in the Pacific, regional defense forces remain vigilant, tracking the fleet’s movements and assessing potential security implications.
