Australia warns airlines to beware of Chinese naval exercises in the Tasman Sea

Australia warned airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand about Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. Several flights were diverted, raising questions about the lack of notice from China. The warships were exercising freedom of navigation off the Australian east coast, a move that angers Beijing. There was uncertainty about whether live fire had occurred, but the risk had passed. New Zealand confirmed there was no ongoing danger. New Zealand’s aviation regulator did not issue warnings. Australian officials planned to discuss the disruption with Chinese counterparts at a G20 meeting in South Africa. Flight monitoring websites showed flights avoiding the area. Airlines like Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia modified flight paths to avoid the danger zone.

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