China criticizes Australia for complaints over naval drills in international waters

China has criticized Australia for "hyping up" complaints about its recent live-fire naval drills in international waters. China's defense ministry stated that it provided adequate safety notices and acted in accordance with international law. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed dissatisfaction with the notice given for the drills, which he claimed disrupted airline flights. In response, China accused Australia of making unreasonable accusations. New Zealand also reported observing the Chinese navy's exercises and is monitoring the situation. This follows a recent incident where a Chinese fighter jet fired flares near an Australian surveillance aircraft.