Three Chinese warships have entered the Great Australian Bight, according to Penny Wong, who accuses the Coalition of purposefully fueling controversy over the vessels’ recent live-fire drills conducted in the Tasman Sea last week. The foreign affairs minister criticized the shadow home affairs spokesperson, James Paterson, for allegedly underplaying national security in favor of launching a political attack on the government in a tense Senate estimates hearing.
Wong expressed her disapproval of politicians insinuating that Australia may have contributed to China’s lack of notice for the live-fire drills. She suggested that such actions are part of a broader pattern of war rhetoric from the opposition, claiming it does not enhance Australia’s safety.
Paterson countered by questioning Anthony Albanese’s statements, which seemed to contradict foreign affairs minister and defense officials’ accounts. He raised the public interest in understanding why the prime minister had provided inaccurate descriptions of a People’s Liberation Army-Navy task group’s behavior in the region.
The Chinese ships engaged in live-fire exercises without providing prior warning, which initially came from a Virgin flight that was alerted by the ships over the radio. Consequently, the plane had to alter its course. AirServices Australia subsequently issued a hazard alert, causing 49 commercial flights to be rerouted over the weekend.
New Zealand also expressed concern about the lack of warning from the live-fire drills, stating that while they were permitted under international law, the notification method did not follow best practices.
Australia expects 12 to 48 hours of notice for live-fire drills to ensure ships in the vicinity can take necessary action and flights can be rerouted in advance. Wong and New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, have conveyed their concerns to their Chinese counterparts, underscoring the need for improved communication and adherence to established protocols in the future.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/27/penny-wong-accuses-coalition-of-gunboat-diplomacy-in-senate-estimates-as-chinese-warships-sail-into-great-australian-bight
