Airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Friday.

Australia is “keeping close watch on” Chinese military ships traversing waters off its coast, Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, noted

Australia reaffirmed its strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the war must be resolved on Kyivs terms. The country has committed A$1.5 billion in aid, with Defense Minister Richard Marles stating on Thursday

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the vessels did not pose any threats but their presence was an ‘unusual event’.

Airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said.

As Chinese military ships voyage near Australia, Australian Minister for Defense Richard Marles described it as an 'unusual event,' and noted the country is surveilling the foreign ships.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said China must explain its failure to provide sufficient notice for the live-fire training exercise in the waters between Australia and New Zealand on Friday.

Airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles

Australian Minister for Defense Richard Marles labels it an “unusual event” as Chinese military ships traverse waters off Australia's coast. (Credit: Sky News)

Defence Minister Richard Marles discusses the importance of maintaining Australia's Collins Class submarine fleet while the country waits for new AUKUS nuclear submarines to be built.

Darwin Port’s Chinese owner Landbridge would offload its 99-year lease if an investor stumped up $1.3bn, according to a source who has held discussions about acquiring the facility.

Australia's defense forces, joined by New Zealand, have been monitoring Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted last week.