Australia's defense forces, joined by New Zealand, have been monitoring Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted last week.

Australia warned airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand to beware of Chinese warships potentially conducting a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea

Crew members on board a New Zealand navy frigate shadowing Chinese military ships have reportedly seen behaviour “consistent with a live-fire activity”. It comes as airlines – including Air New Zealand – have been forced to modify their flight paths after warnings by the Chinese military to avoid airspace between Australia and New Zealand before live-fire military drills in the Tasman Sea.