According to China’s Defense Ministry, Sydney was making “groundless accusations” and intentionally “exaggerating” the situation after three flights had to change course due to Beijing’s live-fire drills.
On Saturday, for the second day in a row, China conducted live-fire naval exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, causing disruption to flights.
Three passenger flights to New Zealand were rerouted, prompting complaints from both Australia and New Zealand about the inadequate prior notice.
While acknowledging that China did not break international law, Marles pointed out that the ideal practice of providing 12-24 hours’ notice was not followed, and Canberra expressed this concern to Beijing.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated on Saturday that the government has yet to receive “a satisfactory response from China regarding the notice” for the drills, which he considers “worrying” for commercial aviation.
What was China’s response?
Wu Qian, the Ministry’s spokesperson, stated that China did not violate international law and had given prior notice.
“During this time period, China organized live-fire training of naval guns directed towards the sea, based on repeatedly issuing prior safety bulletins,” Wu said in a statement posted on the Defense Ministry’s website.
“The statements from the Australian side are completely at odds with the truth,” he added.
The Ministry asserted that there was no impact on air safety for passenger planes.
“Australia, fully aware of these facts, made groundless accusations against China and intentionally escalated the situation,” Wu said.
“We are deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied.”
Edited by Zac Crellin
