Flights between Australia and New Zealand have been altered as China conducts military training exercises involving three naval vessels near their coasts.
Chinese Naval Drill Near Australia Prompts Flight Diversions
Chinese Naval Drill Near Australia Prompts Flight Diversions
Rare military exercises by China in Tasman Sea cause heightened vigilance in Australia and New Zealand.
Planes operating between Australia and New Zealand have been rerouted due to significant military drills being carried out by China in maritime regions nearby. These exercises have raised alarms for both nations, instigating a review of safety protocols.
The presence of three Chinese naval ships – a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker – in the Tasman Sea has been labeled "unusual" by Australian officials. The vessels, which have swept through the waters, came as close as 150 nautical miles from Sydney earlier this week before retreating to 340 nautical miles east of the New South Wales coastline.
Airlines like Qantas have adapted their flight paths in light of these military developments, which may include live fire exercises. The company noted it was in continuous consultation with both the Australian government and industry colleagues to ensure the safety of air travel.
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed concerns about not being informed of these activities ahead of time, highlighting that China had given no prior notice regarding their naval operations in the Tasman Sea.
Although Chinese authorities have described the drills as compliant with international law, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles pointed out that standard notifications for such actions should ideally occur 12 to 24 hours in advance. Reports indicate that an Emirates flight, currently in transit, received a notice about the drills only while in the air.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that while the drills are legitimate under international regulations, their unexpected nature signals the importance of dialogue regarding military transparency and operations.
The exercises come shortly after defense talks held in Beijing between the two nations, where military communication caught the spotlight. This recent military escalation follows a surge in tensions between Australian and Chinese military forces, including incidents over the South China Sea and allegations of aggressive maneuvers by Chinese aircraft towards Australian vessels.
