Description: Three navy ships from the People’s Liberation Army have conducted naval dills in seas between Australia and New Zealand, 340 nautical miles of the coast off Eden. The Chinese ships most prominently known as Taskforce 107 previously advised Australian authorities of the drill emphasizing that it wasn’t a live – fire exercise. Australian authorities have however, preemptively warned airline operators and diverted aerial traffic from the region. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the Chinese exercise was conducted in line with international maritime law, while Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister stated that she believed live fire has been used in violation of international maritime law. Chinese officials have stated that the exercise has been blown out of proportion by Australian officials and live munition wasn’t used.
Impact: Escalating tensions in the Indo – Pacific and the disputed South China Sea can easily enter a new phase as close encounters between aerial and naval assets between China and US allies pose significant threat for the region. Chinese naval vessels have repeatedly endangered territorial waters of countries like the Philippines, Australia and Japan in recent times which aimed to represent a regional show of force and further geopolitical posturing in the key trade route. US allies in the region would continue to enhance military and naval capabilities as China subsequently fuels a regional arms race which could additionally inflate the already existing heightened tensions.