Feb 26 2025 26 mins 5
Australian Defence officials yesterday revealed they were given no advance warning that China was preparing to carry out live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea last week, between Australia and New Zealand.
They confirm they only learned about the drills from a Virgin Australia pilot, after commercial airlines picked up radio communications from Chinese naval officers.
Defence Minister Richard Marles says it is "unclear" whether "live firing" took place during the drills on Friday, but maintains the notification was inadequate.
Also, US President Donald Trump says his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House this week to sign a long-sought minerals deal that will closely tie the two countries together for years to come.
The Ukrainian President has called the deal a framework, saying it is just a start and that there are no security guarantees in the deal.
And Qatar Airways acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia has been given the green light by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
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