China’s Defense Ministry says that Australia made “unreasonable accusations” and deliberately hyped the situation after three planes headed to New Zealand changed course in midflight because of live-f

New Zealand said the Chinese navy conducted a live-fire exercise in international waters near the Pacific nation on Saturday, a day after it held a similar drill between Australia and New Zealand that forced airlines to divert flights.

China conducted naval drills between Australia and New Zealand over two days. Beijing said it is "deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied" with Australia's remarks which it said were "inconsistent with facts.