Flights between Australia and New Zealand have been rerouted as China conducts a military exercise in the Tasman Sea, raising concerns in both countries. The drill, involving three Chinese naval ships—a frigate, cruiser, and supply tanker—has drawn close scrutiny, with Australia calling the situation “unusual.”
Qantas confirmed it had “temporarily adjusted” flight routes due to the exercise, and other airlines, including Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, have reportedly taken similar measures. China’s foreign ministry stated that the drill, conducted in international waters, follows international law. The fleet is now approximately 340 nautical miles east of New South Wales, having previously approached within 150 nautical miles of Sydney.
Both Australia and New Zealand have dispatched vessels to monitor the Chinese ships. New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins criticized China’s lack of communication, stating, “They have not deigned to advise us on what they are doing in the Tasman Sea.” Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles echoed the sentiment, noting that while such deployments are not unprecedented, this situation is unusual.
On Friday, China issued an alert indicating that the exercise might include live fire. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the activity posed “no imminent risk of danger” to Australian or New Zealand assets. However, Marles pointed out that China had not directly notified Australian officials; instead, the alert was broadcast and picked up by commercial planes flying over the Tasman Sea.
This incident comes shortly after Australia and China held defense talks in Beijing, which focused on enhancing military transparency and communication. Tensions between the two nations have been heightened by recent encounters, including an incident earlier this month in which a Chinese fighter jet allegedly released flares in front of an Australian military aircraft over the South China Sea.
As flights resume normal operations, both Australia and New Zealand continue to monitor the Chinese fleet’s activities, underscoring the broader regional implications of military operations in the Indo-Pacific.
