Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged China to be “more transparent” following a surprise naval drill by Chinese warships off Australia’s east coast, which forced commercial airlines to reroute flights over the Tasman Sea.
The drill, which analysts describe as an unprecedented show of Chinese naval strength near Australian waters, was conducted without prior notification to Australian authorities, prompting concerns over regional security.
While China’s foreign ministry downplayed the exercise, Australian officials, including Defence Minister Richard Marles, criticised the lack of advanced notice, saying that such transparency is standard practice.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that it remains unclear whether any live fire actually took place, but security analysts suggest the event signals a shift toward more assertive Chinese military activity in the region.
Australia
& New Zealand
Guess who is lurking about ?
Three Chinesewarships have been detected 150 nautical miles (227 KM) off Sydney.
It is the furtherest the Beijing navy has ventured in recent years.
Their intentions are unclear but is their actions are being… pic.twitter.com/5ddvr2jC0z— The Consultant (@TheConsultant18) February 20, 2025
Look im no ccp supporter, but didnt judith collins and penny wong allow nz qnd austrailian warships to go through the taiwan strait a few months ago, in a highly stupid and provocative act?? Now we’re squealing like little pigs when the chinese do it?? Embrarssing
Australian Foreign Minister is a Penny WONG and the issue is CHINA threatening Australia’s borders? A coincidence, surely?