The drills, conducted near a busy air corridor, have prompted both countries to enhance surveillance and collaborate with allies.

A Virgin Australia pilot alerted Australian authorities about a live-fire drill by Chinese naval ships last week in the Tasman Sea that forced 49 flights to change their paths, Australia's air traffic control agency head told a parliamentary committee.

The government’s rabid response to the Chinese warships is aimed at justifying a major spending increase on the military and greater integration into US-led war plans.