China denies not giving timely warning of live-fire drills off Australia

People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang travels in the Torres Strait off Australia’s coast (Australian Defence Force via AP)

China’s Defence Ministry said Australia made “unreasonable accusations” and deliberately hyped the situation after three planes headed to New Zealand changed course in midflight because of live-fire drills by the Chinese navy.

Wu Qian, the ministry’s top spokesperson, said China had issued safety notices in advance and that the activity was in compliance with international law and did not affect aviation safety.