Australia issued a warning to airlines on Friday about potential hazards in airspace between Australia and New Zealand due to Chinese warships conducting military exercises in the Tasman Sea. The alert, which raised concerns over China’s notification process, led to several flights being diverted.
Regulator Airservices Australia advised commercial pilots of possible risks as three Chinese naval vessels carried out operations off Australia’s east coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that China had notified authorities of a potential live-fire exercise, though it remained unclear whether any weapons had been discharged.
During a Chinese foreign ministry briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the military drills were conducted “in a safe, standard, and professional manner in compliance with international law and practice.”
Despite uncertainty over whether live ammunition was used, Albanese reassured that “there was no imminent risk of danger to any Australian or New Zealand assets.” New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins echoed this sentiment, confirming that while her country was aware of the notification, there was no confirmation of weapon firings.
New Zealand’s aviation regulator, however, did not issue a similar warning. The Civil Aviation Authority acknowledged Australia’s advisory but did not clarify its reasoning for withholding a notice.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia would raise concerns over the disruption with Chinese officials at the G20 summit in South Africa. “We will be discussing this with the Chinese, particularly regarding transparency and notification of these exercises,” Wong told Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Johannesburg.
Flight tracking data showed multiple commercial aircraft adjusting routes to avoid the affected airspace. Air New Zealand confirmed that it modified flight paths “as needed to avoid the area, with no impact on operations.” However, media reports indicated that three flights from Sydney to Christchurch and Queenstown were already airborne before receiving the warning.
The Chinese warships involved in the exercise—frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and replenishment vessel Weishanhu—were operating in international waters under the principle of freedom of navigation. However, similar maneuvers by Australian forces in the disputed South China Sea have previously drawn criticism from Beijing.
Key Points:
Australia Issues Airspace Warning: Australian authorities warned airlines of potential hazards due to Chinese warship exercises in the Tasman Sea.
Flights Diverted: Several flights between Australia and New Zealand adjusted routes to avoid the affected area.
China’s Notification: China informed Australia of a possible live-fire exercise, but it remains unclear whether any weapons were fired.
Official Responses:
Australia: PM Anthony Albanese assured there was no immediate risk to Australian or New Zealand assets.
New Zealand: Defense Minister Judith Collins confirmed there was “no ongoing danger.”
New Zealand’s Aviation Stance: Unlike Australia, New Zealand’s aviation regulator did not issue a formal warning.
Foreign Policy Concerns: Foreign Minister Penny Wong plans to discuss transparency issues with China at the G20 summit.
Chinese Statement: China’s foreign ministry said the drills were conducted safely and in accordance with international law.
Affected Flights: Three Sydney-bound flights to New Zealand cities were already airborne when the warning was issued.
Geopolitical Implications: The Chinese warships exercised freedom of navigation near Australia—an action Beijing opposes when conducted by Australian forces in the South China Sea.
