Flights Rerouted as Chinese Navy Carries Out ‘Show of Force’ Near Australia
On Friday, military exercises by the Chinese navy in international waters southeast of Australia led to the diversion of commercial flights crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.
Air traffic control advised at least three flights, including an Emirates service from Sydney to Christchurch, to reroute after receiving warnings about the presence of a Chinese battle group.
Authorities had been alerted that the fleet would be conducting exercises, which could include live-fire drills and potential interactions with aircraft.
Emirates flight UAE3HJ was directly warned by the Chinese military to avoid the airspace above the operational area, roughly 340 miles off the Australian coast, just before the fleet was believed to have conducted live-fire drills.
The Civil Aviation Authority and Airservices Australia confirmed that they were aware of the situation and that flight crews in the vicinity had been advised accordingly. “As a precaution, we have advised airlines with flights planned in the area. We are also coordinating with operators and pilots,” an Australian spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese downplayed the incident, stating that China’s Task Group 107 had acted within international law, provided sufficient notice, and had not endangered Australian or New Zealand assets. “It’s outside of Australia’s exclusive economic zone,” Albanese explained, referring to the 200-mile zone where Australia has rights over resources like oil, gas, and renewable energy.
He noted, however, that it remained unclear whether live-fire exercises had actually taken place.
Defense Minister Richard Marles, however, criticized China’s communication regarding the exercises, claiming a serious lapse in notifying relevant authorities ahead of time to prevent flights from unknowingly entering the potentially dangerous area. “We weren’t notified by China; we became aware of the issue during the course of the day,” Marles said.
He also pointed out that airlines had received a broadcast notification about China’s live-fire intentions, which was picked up mid-flight by commercial aircraft.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong added that Australia had raised the issue with China at an official level and would continue discussions with Chinese authorities.
Meanwhile, a New Zealand Navy vessel observing the Chinese fleet—comprising the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and Fuchi-class supply vessel Weishanhu—reported that the warships had formed up for live-fire drills, maneuvering into position and targeting a mark in the water.
