Recent unprecedented live-fire drills by China's navy in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were "totally in line with international law", a spokesperson for its defence ministry said on Thursday.

China’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has asserted Beijing has done nothing wrong over its live fire drills in the Tasman Sea, urging “there should be no over-reading into this”, and declaring China had nothing to apologise for.

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

The vessels were sailing in the Tasman Sea, and their announced intent to perform exercises prompted a call for commercial flights to divert course.

Strategic Analysis Australia Michael Shoebridge says the Chinese live fire drills near Australia were “potentially deadly”.