China rips hype over PLA naval drills

China is "deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied" with Australia's groundless accusations and deliberate hype over the People's Liberation Army's exercises in international waters, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Sunday.

In a statement, spokesman Wu Qian noted that Australia is "well aware" that China's actions fully comply with international law and international practices and do not pose any threat to aviation safety.

According to media reports, a Chinese frigate, destroyer and a supply vessel have recently been operating in waters some 150 nautical miles off Australia's coast and conducting live-fire exercises. Australia has accused China of lacking transparency, and the Australian air traffic control agency has issued reminders, leading some airlines to adjust their flight plans.

"The Australian side's remarks are completely inconsistent with the facts," Wu said. "The Chinese naval fleet conducted exercises in waters far from the Australian coastline, entirely in international waters.

"During this period, China repeatedly issued safety notices in advance and organized live-fire naval gun training at sea," he said.

"The Chinese side hopes that the Australian side will view the relationships between the two countries and two militaries objectively and rationally, with more sincerity and professionalism, and take concrete actions to contribute to the stable development of bilateral and military relations," Wu said.

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn