Chinese Warships with ‘Extremely Capable’ Weapons Detected Near Australia: NZ Government Statement

Chinese Warships’ Presence Raises Concerns in Australia and New Zealand

A Chinese naval task group,Taskgroup 107,has sparked concern in australia and New Zealand after conducting live-fire exercises in the seas between the two countries. New zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins stated on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, that the warships, located approximately 280 nautical miles (518km) east of Tasmania, are being closely monitored by the New Zealand navy vessel Te Kaha. Collins warned that the ships are armed with “extremely capable” weapons capable of reaching Australia.

Live-Fire Exercises and Diverted Flights

Taskgroup 107 undertook two live-fire exercises last week, resulting in the diversion of commercial flights in the airspace above the drill zone. The timing and location of these exercises have raised questions about China’s intentions in the region.

Defence Minister’s Concerns

Collins described the presence of the vessels and the short notice given before the live-fire exercise on Friday as “unusual.” She emphasized, “We’ve certainly never seen a task group of this capability undertaking this sort of work, it’s certainly a change.”

Collins highlighted the advanced weaponry of the ships,stating,”The weapons they have are extremely capable. One has 112 vertical launch cells and has reported anti-ship ballistic missile range of 540 nautical miles.” Though, she clarified that, based on her data, the vessels are not nuclear-powered and do not carry nuclear weapons or missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Navigational Rights and notification protocols

Collins acknowledged China’s right to navigate international waters under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. She stated, “They’re not telling us what they’re planning,” and “We’re taking them at face value that they are undertaking normal transits when it comes to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, that they’re not breaking the law.”

Though, she stressed the importance of providing adequate notice for live-fire exercises, saying, “But as we’ve said, it is indeed always better to give a lot more notice when it comes to live firing.” According to Collins, China onyl provided a short warning to civil aviation flights before the drill, which she described as “a very short amount of notice, rather than what we would consider best practice which is 12-24 hours notice, so that aircraft don’t have to be diverted when they’re on the wing.”

Differing Accounts on Notification

While the Chinese navy notified the Australian defense department shortly before the Friday drill, Collins disputed claims by China’s ambassador to New Zealand that appropriate advance notice had been given, stating that those assertions were “wrong.”

Australian Response

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that senior defense officials were monitoring the ships after they were spotted moving south in international waters about 280km off Sydney on Thursday. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong met with her Chinese counterpart to discuss the limited notice provided before the firing.

Compliance with International Law

The Australian Defence Force has advised that China’s actions are believed to have complied with international law and that there was no imminent threat to its assets or those of New Zealand.

Conclusion

The presence of Chinese warships off the coast of Australia and new Zealand, coupled with live-fire exercises, has heightened concerns about maritime activities and notification protocols in the region. While china’s actions are currently believed to be within international law, the incident highlights the need for clear communication and adherence to best practices to avoid potential misunderstandings and ensure regional stability. Stay informed and engaged with developments in international relations to understand the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Given the Chinese ambassador’s assertion about providing adequate notice, what specific criteria, according to international law or established norms, determine “adequate” notice for live-fire exercises in international waters?

Expert analysis: Chinese Warships’ Presence in Australian and New Zealand Waters

Welcome, dr. Amelia Hart, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, to Archyde News. Today,we delve into the recent presence of Chinese warships off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand and its implications.

Dr. Hart, can you provide some context to our readers about the recent activities of Chinese naval Taskgroup 107 in the region?

Dr. Hart: “Taskgroup 107, comprising several Chinese warships, has been operating in the waters between Australia and New Zealand, conducting live-fire exercises. This has raised concerns, notably as the exercises resulted in the diversion of commercial flights and were undertaken with relatively short notice.”

What are the primary concerns raised by these activities, and how do they relate to international law?

dr. Hart: “The primary concerns revolve around clarity, notification protocols, and the potential for misunderstandings or accidents. While China has the right to navigate international waters under the UN Convention on the law of the Sea, providing adequate notice for live-fire exercises is a best practice that ensures safety and avoids disruptions. In this case, the notice given was quite short, raising questions about China’s intentions and communication.”

How have Australia and New Zealand responded to these developments?

dr. Hart: “Both countries have been closely monitoring the situation. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that senior defense officials are keeping a close eye on the ships, while Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong met with her chinese counterpart to discuss the limited notice provided before the firing. New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins has also expressed concerns about the short notice and the advanced weaponry of the ships.”

What can be done to address these concerns and ensure regional stability moving forward?

Dr. Hart: “Open communication and adherence to best practices are key.China could improve transparency by providing adequate notice for military exercises, while Australia and New Zealand could explore diplomatic channels to encourage such behavior. Moreover, regular dialog and confidence-building measures between the parties could help alleviate tensions and misunderstandings.”

Dr. Hart, what do you think about the Chinese ambassador’s assertion that appropriate advance notice was given for the live-fire exercises?

Dr. Hart: “Disputes like these highlight the importance of clear and consistent communication. while the Chinese navy may have notified the Australian defense department, the notice was deemed insufficient by New Zealand’s defense minister. It’s crucial for all parties involved to align on what constitutes adequate notice to avoid such discrepancies in the future.”

Thank you, Dr. Hart, for your insightful analysis. What is your final thought for our readers on this evolving situation?

Dr. Hart: “The presence of Chinese warships and live-fire exercises in the region serves as a reminder that maritime activities can have notable implications for regional security and stability. It’s essential for all parties to engage in open dialogue and adhere to best practices to ensure transparency and avoid potential misunderstandings.”

Stay informed and engaged with developments in international relations on Archyde News.