By The South Asia Times

Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins confirmed that China’s navy has conducted live-fire exercises for the second time in the Tasman Sea, escalating tensions in the region.

The announcement follows concerns raised by Australia on Friday, when authorities warned commercial flights operating over the sea between Australia and New Zealand about potential risks due to Chinese naval drills in international waters.

While China has yet to officially comment on the exercises, the unprecedented military activity in the area has sparked concerns among regional security analysts. This marks a rare instance of Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises in a region traditionally dominated by Western and allied naval forces.

Collins assured that New Zealand is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Australian officials have also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of civilian air and maritime traffic amid the drills.

The latest Chinese military maneuvers come amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific, where regional powers are increasingly wary of Beijing’s growing military presence beyond the South China Sea.