China's warship deployment near Australia deemed provocative

Australia's intelligence chief has stated that China's deployment of three warships to the Tasman Sea appears "designed to be provocative." This follows live-fire exercises that are unprecedented in the region, indicating China's growing military capabilities. The Chinese naval task group has re-entered Australia's exclusive economic zone, operating about 160 nautical miles east of Hobart. Defence officials suspect a nuclear-powered submarine may be supporting the flotilla during its extended deployment. Commercial airline pilots reported monitoring communications from the Chinese warships warning of live-firing activities, which led to nearly 50 flight diversions. Aviation officials were first alerted to the exercises by a Virgin Australia pilot's emergency radio report.