Notice of a Chinese live-fire naval exercise in international waters between Australia and New Zealand set off hyperbolic warnings about the “Chinese threat” and demands for greater military spending.

The Australian and New Zealand militaries are monitoring three Chinese warships that are moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission.

Three Chinese warships have been spotted in international waters off the coast of Australia’s largest city, Sydney, in a rare show of military might that will likely test diplomatic ties between Canberra and Beijing.

The Australian and New Zealand militaries were monitoring three Chinese warships moving unusually far south along Australia’s east coast on an unknown mission, officials said on Thursday. The Australian government revealed a week ago the warships had travelled through the Coral Sea and were approaching north east Australia.

Australia and New Zealand are monitoring a group of Chinese naval vessels spotted in international waters near Sydney, the countries’ defence ministers said on Thursday. Three Chinese vessels are traveling down the eastern coast of Australia,

Australia has recently noticed something unexpected near its eastern coastline—three Chinese warships sailing closer than usual. While it is not illegal for these ships to be in international waters,