Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday spoke to reporters about a potential “live fire” drills by the Chinese navy in international waters near Australia’s east coast.
He revealed that Australia’s defence department has been monitoring the Chinese navy vessels, a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker, since they were spotted last week.
Albanese stressed that the fleet has alerted Australian officials that it may start conducting live fire drills, and that ships and planes should steer clear.
Reacting to the development on Friday, China said the exercises described by Australia as “live fire” drills off the country’s east coast were safe and was in accordance with relevant international laws.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China’s People’s Liberation Army organised a naval formation to conduct training and exercises in distant waters, adding that it was conducted in a safe, standard, and professional manner at all times, which the Minister claimed is in accordance with relevant international laws and practices.
