China will not apologise for military drills off Australia's east, ambassador says

China's ambassador to Australia said on Friday his country had no reason to apologise for the military drills it conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand that forced at least 49 flights to change path. Both Australia and New Zealand have raised concerns with Beijing on the rare live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea last week, saying they did not receive adequate notice from China's navy. Ambassador Xiao Qian said China's navy conducted drills that complied with international law and gave advance notice following international practices.