Recent Chinese naval exercises involving live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea have prompted Australian and New Zealand airlines to divert flights, raising regional tensions and drawing scrutiny from both countries' governments.
China’s Military Exercises Near Australia Spark Regional Tensions

China’s Military Exercises Near Australia Spark Regional Tensions
Live-fire drills by China in the Tasman Sea lead to flight adjustments and concern in Australia and New Zealand.
China's military has drawn attention as it conducts a significant naval exercise in the Tasman Sea, reportedly involving live-fire drills, leading to adjustments in flight paths by airlines operating between Australia and New Zealand. This unprecedented presence of three Chinese naval vessels – a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker – is described by Australian officials as "unusual," prompting heightened vigilance from both countries.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated that these operations are aligned with international law. However, the proximity of the vessels, which came within 150 nautical miles of Sydney, has raised alarms, especially after Australian airline Qantas confirmed they made temporary changes to their flight routes for safety reasons. Other carriers have followed suit, reflecting shared concern in the aviation sector regarding the military maneuvers.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed frustration that China did not notify them prior to deploying naval forces to the region. This sentiment reflects broader regional anxiety about China's increasing military activity. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the unusual nature of these exercises while assuring that there was no immediate danger to civilian air traffic.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the exercises were conducted professionally and safely, adherence to international protocols underscoring their legitimacy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that the actions remain consistent with international law, but Marles pointed out a lack of timely notification concerning the live-fire exercises, which deviated from standard protocols that typically involve advance notice.
As the Chinese fleet conducted operations, the situation drew a real-time alert from Chinese authorities to an Emirates flight en route from Sydney to Christchurch, highlighting the potential dangers posed by military exercises occurring in close proximity to civilian air traffic.
This military exercise comes on the heels of a defence dialogue held between Australia and China, where discussions reportedly revolved around improving military transparency and communication. However, strained relations have been evident, underscored by earlier incidents involving confrontational military encounters in the South China Sea and accusations pertaining to Chinese naval activities.
Both Australia and New Zealand remain vigilant as the situation unfolds, reflecting the broader regional implications of China's assertive military posture in international waters.