New Zealand has confirmed China’s navy held a second live-fire exercise in international waters close to the Pacific nation on Saturday, ratcheting up regional security fears. The drill was similar to another exercise by Australia and New Zealand on Friday which had incidentally interfered with commercial airliner tracks.
Personnel on the New Zealand Navy’s frigate Te Kaha saw live munitions launched by a Chinese warship’s main gun, Defence Minister Judith Collins’ office confirmed in a statement. The Chinese naval task group had applied the worldwide procedures, and with the purpose of the exercise communicated ahead of time through the radio, assured that it is done in compliance.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon admitted that the uncertainty over movement of the Chinese fleet’s, said, “We are carefully watching, shadowing and tracking their actions.” A latest exercise was conducted in the Tasman Sea, Radio New Zealand reported. 
Friday’s navy movements had already forced major carriers including Qantas, Emirates and Air New Zealand to alter flight paths in response to China conducting live-fire drills off New South Wales in Australia. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles accused Beijing of inadequate notice, it was “disconcerting” for civilian aviation.
While Australian and New Zealand authorities agreed that China has honored international law, worries stay regarding Beijing’s enhanced armed service confidence around the Pacific. Partial clarification of the Fifth Indo-Pacific State fiercest incident yet remains achieved.
