Australia learned about Chinese live-fire naval drills off the country’s coast that forced dozens of flights to be diverted via an alert from a commercial pilot, authorities said on Monday.

China’s Defense Ministry says that Australia made “unreasonable accusations” and deliberately hyped the situation after three planes headed to New Zealand changed course in midflight because of live-f

The Chinese are telling everyone the naval manoeuvres are not illegal, but it’s odd to hear Australia’s prime minister and defence minister parroting their words.

New Zealand raised fresh concerns Monday over nearby live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships armed with “extremely capable” weapons, an unprecedented show of firepower last week that analysts say are part of Beijing’s ongoing plan to build a blue-water navy with global reach.

New Zealand said the Chinese navy conducted a live-fire exercise in international waters near the Pacific nation on Saturday, a day after it held a similar drill between Australia and New Zealand that forced airlines to divert flights.

Three Chinese warships conducted a series of naval drills last Friday and Saturday, stationed underneath a busy flight path linking Australia and New Zealand

A Virgin Australia pilot is responsible for alerting authorities about Chinese live fire drills off Australia’s east coast last week, a Senate Estimates hearing has revealed.

Good morning and welcome back, it’s Ainsley here with all the news you need to start your working week.Today’s must-reads:• China’s live-fire naval drills• Chalmers to press US for tariff exemption• PM eyes A$8.

Leaders in Australia and New Zealand say China should have given them more warning before its navy conducted an unusual series of live fire exercises in the seas between the two countries, forcing flights to divert on short notice.