Beijing has issued a fresh warning to “certain countries” amid soaring tensions in the South China Sea.

China claims swathes of the sea and its oil-rich seabed and has long been embroiled in fierce territorial disputes with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and, most viciously, the Philippines.

Australia has been a staunch supporter of the Philippines as it pushes back against Chinese vessels violating its internationally recognised exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, with Canberra joining defence drills and pledging to step up its naval presence.

An article published on Tuesday by Chinese state-controlled media said a conflict in the sea was “unlikely to occur in the near term” but added that “certain countries should not harbour any illusions, as China will respond decisively to actions that infringe upon its rights and claims”........

New Zealand’s defence minister has warned a flotilla of Chinese warships conducting military drills off the coast of Australia are packing “extremely capable” weapons, with a range of up to 1000km.

The scary new detail emerged as the Judith Collins weighed into the recent security scare prompted by two People’s Liberation Army-navy (PLA-N) frigates and a replenishment vessel conducting drills in the Tasman Sea last week.

Australian authorities have raised alarm bells over Beijing’s brazen act despite the live fire testing occurring outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone.

China has also responded, with the eastern superpower’s defence ministry accusing Australia of making a “groundless accusation”......