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 has conducted a second live-fire exercise in international waters, a day after multiple airlines were forced to change flight paths.

Beijing yesterday warned Canberra of potential “live fire” naval drills in international waters off Australia’s eastern coast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as commercial flights were told to steer clear of the area.

When Qantas pilots have to start worrying about the threat of potshots from Chinese warships, the stabilisation in ties has reached its limits.

New Zealand Defence Force monitors Chinese navy live-fire drills near Pacific nation, shadowing vessels in international waters.

Australia accused China on Saturday of failing to give satisfactory reasons for what it called inadequate notice of a live-fire drill in waters between Australia and New Zealand that forced airlines to divert flights.

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

Australia said Saturday it has not received a satisfactory explanation from Beijing after Chinese warships off its east coast broadcast a "disconcerting" live-fire warning that forced commercial flights to change course.