Australia is exposed to a hostile China on trade and to a buccaneering US on security. Our complacency has left us near-naked.

Australia's defense forces, joined by New Zealand, have been monitoring Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted last week.

The Chinese naval task group, consisting of three vessels, is now operating east of the Australian island of Tasmania.

Australia accused China on Saturday of failing to give satisfactory reasons for what it called inadequate notice of a live-fire drill in waters between Australia and New Zealand that forced airlines to divert flights.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles says airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise.