Q: Australia’s Foreign Minister today voiced concern over live-fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country’s east coast. Australia’s Defense Department had been monitoring the Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted in international waters last week. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

A: A Chinese fleet organized by the PLA Southern Theater Command is conducting far seas exercise. The drill was carried out in a safe, standard and professional manner and in accordance with relevant international law and international practice.