In this photo provided by the Australian Defense Force, the People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang travels in the Torres Strait off Australia’s coast, on Feb. 11, 2025. Royal Australian Navy.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong today warned international airlines operating between Australia and New Zealand to be cautious of Chinese warships conducting a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea.
Mr. Wong confirmed that three Chinese warships are carrying out drills off Australia’s east coast. Media reports indicated that several international flights had been diverted as a result.
He added that Australian military ships and aircraft have been monitoring the Chinese warships for days as they move through international waters off the country’s east coast.
Regulator Airservices Australia warned commercial pilots of a potential hazard in airspace between the countries as three Chinese warships conduct exercises off the Australian east coast, officials said.
But three flights from Sydney bound for the New Zealand cities of Christchurch and Queenstown were in the air before they were first warned of a live-fire exercise by a Chinese warship in their path, news media reported.