China’s Military Exercises in the Tasman Sea Have Greater Implications

This picture taken during a media tour organized by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to mark its 75th founding anniversary shows the Chinese Navy Jinan destroyer (R) at the PLA Naval Museum in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, on April 23, 2024. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

China’s interests in the Tasman Sea are driven by broader objectives in the Pacific region, including expanding its influence, securing maritime routes, and demonstrating its advancing naval capabilities.