February 28, 2025

The drills conducted by the Chinese fleet have been safe, professional, and in accordance with relevant international law and established practices, and they are completely different with the Australian military aircraft's intrusion into China's airspace, which is a serious violation of international law and undermines China's national security, said Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania on Thursday.

Xiao made the remarks in response to the inquiry that the Australian side views the Chinese live-fire drills without prior notice as irresponsible and unprofessional, and whether the presence of the Chinese fleet in the waters around Australia was intended to signal Australia to cease similar activities in the South China Sea, as well as whether this action was related to the Australian federal election.

Xiao stressed that during recent couple of days, China and Australia have maintained close communication through diplomatic channels in Beijing, Canberra and other multilateral occasions. Spokespersons from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense have also made statements on this matter. China's position is very clear.

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