SYDNEY, Feb 28: China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, firmly stated on Friday that China had no reason to apologize for its military drills conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand. The exercises, which took place in the Tasman Sea, forced at least 49 flights to change their paths.

Both Australia and New Zealand had raised concerns about the live-fire drills, which occurred last week, claiming they did not receive adequate notice from China’s navy. However, Ambassador Xiao defended the drills, stating that they complied with international law and were carried out with the necessary advance notice as per international practices.

Xiao further emphasized that there was no reason for China to apologize. “I don’t see there is any reason why the Chinese side should feel sorry about that, or even think about apologizing for that,” he said during an interview with ABC News. He also asserted that China’s naval actions were appropriate for the nature, size, and scope of the drill.

According to the Ambassador, the drills posed no threat to Australia, one of China’s largest trading partners, and added that Australia should expect more Chinese naval vessels in the region in the future. “As a major power in this region, as a country that has so many things to look after, it is normal for China to send their vessels to different parts of the region to conduct various kinds of activities,” Xiao remarked.

The Chinese naval task group, which consisted of a frigate, cruiser, and replenishment vessel, continued westward on Friday, crossing the Great Australian Bight. The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed this.

The Australian air traffic control agency had been alerted by a Virgin Australia pilot about the live-fire drill after a message from the Chinese task group was broadcast on an emergency radio channel, typically monitored by pilots. David Johnston, Australia’s defense chief, stated that it was likely the Australian Defence Department was unaware of the drills for over 30 minutes after they had already started.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese downplayed the incident, noting that the drills took place in international waters and that China had not broken maritime laws, the opposition Liberal-National coalition criticized the late notification, calling it a major incident if Australia’s Defense Force was only alerted by a commercial pilot.