An unusual series of military exercises by Chinese warships in the sea between Australia and New Zealand has prompted reproval from leaders in both countries about the amount of warning given

New Zealand raised fresh concerns Monday over nearby live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships armed with “extremely capable” weapons, an unprecedented show of firepower last week that analysts say are part of Beijing’s ongoing plan to build a blue-water navy with global reach.

Australian officials said the ships were “off the east coast of Australia” and their presence there was unusual.

The Australian government is demanding answers from Beijing after commercial flights had to divert over the Tasman Sea after they received last-minute alert of Chinese warship exercises.

When asked to comment on concerns raised by Australia's Foreign Minister regarding live-fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country's east coast, as well as the Australia's Defense Department's monitoring of the Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted in international waters last week,

Directive issued over 'fears' Chinese naval vessels possibly conducting live-fire military drills southeast of Sydney, in international waters, ABC reports - Anadolu Ajansı

The Australian and New Zealand militaries are monitoring three Chinese warships that are moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission

China defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said on Sunday that Australian complaints over recent Chinese live-fire naval drills in international waters between Australia and New Zealand were "hyped up" and "inconsistent with the facts".