Australia Issues Alert to Airlines: Prepare for Potential Chinese Navy Live-Fire Exercise in the Tasman Sea

Australia is alerting airlines to be cautious while flying between Australia and New Zealand due to Chinese warships conducting drills in the Tasman Sea. This warning comes as three Chinese ships operate off the eastern coast of Australia.

Airservices Australia advised pilots that there could be risks in the airspace during these exercises. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that China had indicated these ships might use live ammunition in their drills.

Defense officials in Australia have stated that while there was some concern, there was no immediate threat to Australian or New Zealand assets, and the danger had since passed.

Air New Zealand reported it had adjusted flight paths to stay clear of the area, ensuring no disruptions to their services. Virgin Australia is also adhering to the guidance from Airservices Australia but hasn’t confirmed any diversions for its New Zealand flights.

Reports indicate that pilots from major airlines, including Virgin, Qantas, and Emirates, have altered their routes after hearing a warning from one of the Chinese ships regarding a live-fire exercise.

Australian and New Zealand military vessels and surveillance planes have been monitoring the exercises involving the Chinese frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and replenishment ship Weishanhu. It’s rare for Chinese warships to operate so far south, marking a display of their expanding naval capabilities.

Captain Steve Cornell, a representative of Australian pilots, criticized the choice of location for the Chinese exercises. He pointed out that while navigating can involve various challenges, it would be common sense for military forces to conduct operations in areas that minimize disruptions.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong plans to raise the issue with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at a G20 meeting in South Africa. Albanese confirmed that the military exercise was lawful and took place in international waters, outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone.