Reported at www.sbs.com.au: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended China’s live-fire military exercise off the Australian coast, stating it complied with international law and emphasised diplomatic communications with China.

Opposition spokesperson Andrew Hastie criticised Albanese for being “weak” and not contacting Beijing directly, while Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed dissatisfaction with China’s short notice regarding the exercise that raised concerns for air traffic safety.

The Australian military continues to monitor the situation, but officials stated there was no immediate threat to Australia or New Zealand.