China's Short-Notice Naval Drills Disrupt Australia-New Zealand Flights Amid Global Naval Expansion Efforts, Continue Activities Around Taiwan
Simultaneously, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported an increased presence of Chinese forces around the island, with 12 military aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and one official ship spotted today.
INDO-PACIFIC- China conducted live-fire military drills between Australia and New Zealand, with two warships spotted unusually close to the Australian coastline, just 150 nautical miles off Sydney (the area shown within the red circle on the map below).
Chinese Military Activity Around Taiwan Intensifies After Canadian, US Naval Vessels Transit Strait
Recent Military Activity In The Indo-Pacific Region Draws Attention To Heightened Tensions, Strategic Maneuvers
Recent military activities in the Indo-Pacific have drawn attention to heightened tensions and strategic maneuvers. On February 25, 2025, China conducted live-fire drills between Australia and New Zealand, with two warships observed 150 nautical miles off Sydney.
Separately, Task Group 107: comprising the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu was operating 160 nautical miles east of Hobart within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Simultaneously, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported an increased presence of Chinese forces, with 12 military aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and one official ship detected around the island, reflecting a broader pattern of Chinese naval and air operations across the region.
Australia has responded by closely monitoring these activities, emphasizing the importance of safe and professional conduct under international law.
On February 13, the Australian military noted the transit of Task Group 107 northeast of its borders, while an unsafe encounter on February 11 saw a Chinese J-16 fighter release flares near a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A in the South China Sea, prompting diplomatic concerns raised with China.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of National Defense defended its exercises as lawful and conducted on the high seas, criticizing Australia for what it deems unfounded accusations and urging a more constructive bilateral approach, a perspective consistent with discussions during the Australia-China Defense Strategic Dialogue on February 17 in Beijing.
Elsewhere, multinational military cooperation has intensified. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported 20 Chinese aircraft, including 15 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line on February 19, part of joint combat readiness patrols it views as a threat to regional stability.
Concurrently, Australia, the United States, and Japan conducted joint refueling operations during Exercise Cope North near Guam, involving 10 tankers supporting 64 fighter jets. Meanwhile, Exercises Red Flag Nellis and Bamboo Eagle in the U.S., concluding on February 14, enhanced air force interoperability among Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
These developments underscore a complex balance of deterrence, surveillance, and diplomatic engagement amid ongoing regional security dynamics.
Australian Military: People’s Liberation Army –Navy vessels operating near Australia
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