Chinese warships conduct missile drills near Tasmania raising concerns in New Zealand and Australia

Chinese warships armed with long-range ballistic missiles conducted live-fire drills near Tasmania, alarming New Zealand and Australia. The exercises, involving three ships, occurred further south than usual and prompted flight diversions. New Zealand's defense minister noted the unusual nature of the drills and the short notice given. Both countries are monitoring the vessels, which have not entered Australian territorial waters but are within its exclusive economic zone. Tensions are rising over China's military activities in the Indo-Pacific, with New Zealand expressing concerns about a recent strategic partnership between China and the Cook Islands. New Zealand's foreign minister plans to address these security issues during an upcoming trip to China.