MK sports Type 055 large destroyer Zunyi of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fires its close-in weapon system during a combat exercise in the Pacific Ocean in February 2025. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-24/8512a5ec-3655-4263-b78c-0da970e1a167.jpeg" />

The Type 055 large destroyer Zunyiof Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fires its close-in weapon system during a combat exercise in the Pacific Ocean in February 2025. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television

An official Chinese media report on Tuesday provided details of recent exercises by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) warships in the Pacific Ocean that included live-fire drills, which have been hyped by Australia and New Zealand over the past few days.

A PLA Navy warship formation consisting of the Type 055 large destroyer Zunyi, Type 054A frigate Hengyang and the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Weishanhurecently conducted combat exercises featuring multiple courses including replenishment at sea and live-fire shooting in the Pacific Ocean, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.

The drills effectively assessed the warship formation's coordinated combat capabilities, CCTV said.

Attached with a group of photos showing the three Chinese vessels maneuvering in formation, conducting replenishment-at-sea and firing shipborne weapons, the CCTV report stated that during one exercise, the Zunyi and the Hengyang rapidly adjusted positions and entered combat status upon detecting a simulated unknown aerial target.

The Zunyithen promptly engaged its close-in weapon system and successfully neutralized the mock target with a single shot of barrage.

The formation then spotted a simulated unknown vessel target approaching fast, which was met by the main gun firing of the Hengyang.

The drills lasted several days, as the sailors practiced command execution, technical skills, and coordination in challenging sea conditions and complex scenarios, to enhance the formation's combat readiness and operational versatility, CCTV said.

Australian news outlet ABC News reported on Wednesday that the Hengyang, the Zunyi and the Weishanhu were spotted sailing east of Sydney last week.

Then on Friday, commercial pilots were warned to avoid airspace between Australia and New Zealand over fears of live fire military drills by Chinese vessels, ABC News claimed. New Zealand media outlet 1news reported on Saturday that the New Zealand Defense Force witnessed live rounds being fired from a Chinese warship in the Tasman Sea on Saturday afternoon.

In response to Australia's accusation of China's lack of transparency and the Australian air traffic control agency's notices for some airlines to adjust their flight plans amid the recent activities of three Chinese warships and live-fire drills in waters near Australia, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said in a statement on Sunday that the relevant remarks from the Australian side are completely inconsistent with the facts.

The training area of the Chinese naval formation is far from the Australian coastline and is entirely in international waters. During this period, China organized live-fire training of naval guns against sea targets, having repeatedly issued safety notices in advance. China's actions are in full compliance with international law and practices and will not affect aviation safety. Australia, fully aware of this, made unreasonable accusations against China and deliberately exaggerated the situation. We are deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied with this, Wu said.

Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recognized that China acted in accordance with international law, according to a Reuters report on Saturday.

Fu Qianshao, Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that it is entirely normal for PLA Navy vessels operate in distant waters to conduct training exercises while safeguarding trade and economic interests.

Song Zhongping, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that China's naval exercises, which align with international law, are expected to become more frequent, and some countries should adjust to this trend.