Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concerns on Friday about the insufficient notice given by China regarding its live-fire military exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, which forced airlines to reroute flights.
Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand adjusted their flight paths on Friday after China broadcast a warning that its navy would conduct live-fire exercises off the coast of New South Wales. The Chinese naval presence included a frigate, cruiser, and a replenishment vessel, which had entered Australia’s maritime approaches last week and traveled down the east coast under surveillance by both Australian and New Zealand naval forces.
On Friday, the Chinese navy transmitted a message via a civil aircraft radio channel, announcing live-fire activity planned in the Tasman Sea, approximately 346 nautical miles (641 km) off the Australian town of Eden. However, the Australian Defence Department stated that it was not informed in advance of the activity and had received no further details.
Australia’s Defence Ministry noted that while no weapon firings were observed, a floating surface target was deployed and later recovered. Australian officials suggested the live-fire activity had likely ended after the Chinese naval formation resumed normal operations.
Defence Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that China complied with international law by providing notice, although the short notice created challenges for airlines. “It did put commercial flights in a difficult position, requiring quick adjustments,” he said in an interview with ABC radio.
Foreign Minister Wong met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, where they discussed “safe and professional military conduct.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reassured the public that the Australian Defence Force had not identified an imminent threat to assets in the region. However, Australian officials expressed concern that customary 24- to 48-hour notice of live-fire activities was not provided.
In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the exercises were held in international waters, adhering to safety and professional standards. “The exercises were conducted in accordance with relevant international laws,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
The New Zealand Navy’s frigate, Te Kaha, was in the area during the exercise, with Defence Minister Judith Collins also downplaying any threat to New Zealand’s assets.
Airlines Respond to Chinese Drills
Emirates confirmed that its flight from Sydney to Christchurch was rerouted after the live-fire broadcast was received. The airline followed standard procedures, adjusting the flight path in coordination with air traffic control to ensure safety.
Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar also monitored the airspace and adjusted routes across the Tasman Sea to avoid the live-fire zone. Air New Zealand stated it had made necessary route changes without impacting operations, while Virgin Australia confirmed it was following air traffic control guidelines.
OPSGROUP, a flight risk organization, described the live-fire drill as a rare occurrence for the region.
This event comes on the heels of an earlier incident in which Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of acting in an “unsafe and unprofessional” manner toward an Australian maritime patrol aircraft in the South China Sea. Beijing, in turn, accused the Australian plane of “deliberately intruding” into Chinese airspace.
The Chinese government continues to reject the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated its extensive claims in the South China Sea.