Commercial Flights Diverted as CCP Warships Conduct Unexpected Live-Fire Exercise Near Australia
Airservices Australia has alerted pilots flying over Tasman Sea airspace about a military exercise conducted by China.
Due to Chinese warships firing live ammunition as part of their military exercise, commercial planes flying between New Zealand and Australia have had to change their flight paths.
For the past week, three People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels have been near the Australian coastline, coming within 150 nautical miles (277 kilometers on land) of Sydney on Feb. 19.
Several flights, including those by Qantas and Emirates, have been rerouted following advice that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) warships were “live firing in international waters.”
“As a precaution, we have advised airlines with flights planned in the area,” a spokesperson from Airservices Australia stated.
Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have been monitoring the flotilla since last week.
The live weapons firing is said to be occurring 340 nautical miles southeast of Sydney in international waters.
Air New Zealand stated that they have adjusted flight paths to avoid the area with no operational impact.
Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar are collaborating with the Australian government to monitor the situation.
The fleet includes a heavily armed Renhai-class cruiser named Zunyi, a Jiangkai-class frigate named Hengyang, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
Australian Foreign Minister to Discuss With CCP Counterpart
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong plans to discuss these events with Beijing.
“We already have at official level in relation to the notice given and the transparency provided in relation to these exercises, particularly the live fire exercises,” she said.
Senator Wong is expected to meet with CCP Foreign Minister Wang Yi for a scheduled meeting on the sidelines of the G20.
Prime Minister Says CCP Gave Notice of Firing
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that the CCP provided notice about their exercise.
Albanese also shared that the notice was given, and when that happens, airlines are informed to stay clear of the area.
Calls for More Direct Action Against Beijing
Lincoln Parker, former chair of the Liberal Party’s Defence and National Security Policy Branch, called for stronger action against China’s actions.
The shadow defence spokesman, Andrew Hastie, urged the Labor government to take a more direct approach with the CCP leadership in response to the recent provocations.
