China’s Military Exercises Near Australia Spark Regional Tensions

Thu Jul 03 2025 19:37:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
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.


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 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.

MORE ON THEME

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:30:46 GMT

Tibetan Resistance Grows as Dalai Lama's Future Sparks Tensions with China

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:30:46 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:53:13 GMT

**Preliminary Trade Agreement Between the U.S. and Vietnam Announced by Trump**

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:53:13 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:37:03 GMT

Qantas Faces Data Breach Affecting Six Million Customers

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:37:03 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:15:06 GMT

Dalai Lama Confirms Succession Plan Amidst Controversy Over Chinese Claims

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:15:06 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:48:41 GMT

Dalai Lama Seeks to Secure Succession Amidst Chinese Pressure

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:48:41 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:32:43 GMT

Qantas Faces Cybersecurity Crisis with Data Breach Affecting Six Million Customers

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:32:43 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:11:34 GMT

China Implements Emergency Ban on Portable Batteries for Air Travel Amid Safety Warnings

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:11:34 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:03:32 GMT

U.S. Dollar Decline Signals Concerns Over Economic Policy and Global Position

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:03:32 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:42:02 GMT

A Shift in Affection: Russia Turns to China as the New Cultural Beacon

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:42:02 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:44:39 GMT

Taiwan's President Promotes National Unity Amidst Rising Tensions with China

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:44:39 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:37:53 GMT

Shifting Alliances: Russia Turns to China as Cultural Model

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:37:53 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:30:55 GMT

Trump Hints at Potential Buyer for TikTok Amid Ongoing National Security Concerns

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:30:55 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:28:39 GMT

Australian Jury Deliberates in High-Profile Mushroom Murder Case

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:28:39 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:01:16 GMT

**China Intensifies Crackdown on Young Female Authors of Gay Erotica**

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:01:16 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 19:29:39 GMT

Trump Claims to Have Wealthy Buyers for TikTok Amid Continued Controversy

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 19:29:39 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:52:15 GMT

Australia Offers Special Climate Visa for Tuvalu Citizens Amid Rising Sea Levels

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:52:15 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:01:57 GMT

**Climate Change Drives Tuvaluans to Apply for Australian Visas**

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:01:57 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:18:19 GMT

China and U.S. Reach Trade Agreement to Enhance Rare Earth Exports

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:18:19 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:45:04 GMT

Chaos and Gunfire: A Month of Aid Distribution in Gaza

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:45:04 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:10:40 GMT

**Tuvalu Citizens Seek Refuge: Over One-Third Apply for Australia’s Climate Visa**

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:10:40 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.