WHY CHINA CONDUCTED EXERCISES IN THE REGION
This is an important question since China could have just as easily conducted these exercises closer to its own shores.
Part of the answer lies in China having the capacity and capability to project its military force far beyond its own shores.
These types of activities are also important intelligence gathering exercises. Each Chinese Navy visit will give it more experience in waters where it does not frequently sail, while also gauging how Australia and New Zealand respond.
Given the increasing cooperation between China and some Pacific Island nations, such as the Cook Islands and Solomon Islands, we should expect the Chinese Navy will become a more frequent visitor to the region.
THREE OPTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND
As Australia and New Zealand are strong supporters of the rules-based international order on which the law of the sea is based, there is very little they can legally do to obstruct China. Nevertheless, three options are available.
First, enhanced air and naval surveillance of China’s activities in these waters is legally permissible. Constantly shadowing the PLA Navy in the South Pacific, though, would be a drain on stretched defence resources.
Both countries would also need to ensure their navies are not in the line of fire to avoid an accident that could spiral into a major conflict.
Second, Australia and New Zealand could work though bodies such as the International Maritime Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization to settle on agreed practices on how much advance notification is required for high seas live-fire tests.
