Sat Feb 22 11:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Australia and New Zealand Divert Flights as China Conducts Live-Fire Military Drills
**SYDNEY/WELLINGTON** – Flights between Australia and New Zealand were temporarily rerouted following a Chinese military exercise in the Tasman Sea that may have involved live fire. The drill, conducted in international waters, prompted concerns in both Canberra and Wellington, with Australia describing the deployment of three Chinese naval vessels—a frigate, cruiser, and supply tanker—as unusual.
The Chinese military’s proximity to the Australian coast, at one point coming within 150 nautical miles of Sydney, led to heightened alert. Although the ships were later reported to be 340 nautical miles east of New South Wales, airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand adjusted flight paths as a precaution. At least one Emirates flight received notification of the exercise while already airborne.
While China claims the exercise adhered to international law, Australian officials noted a lack of sufficient advance notice. Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted that the alert was broadcast to airlines, rather than directly communicated to Australian authorities, unlike typical procedures providing 12-24 hours’ warning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted no immediate danger to Australian or New Zealand assets existed.
This incident follows a series of tense maritime encounters between Australia and China, including recent accusations of unsafe aerial maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets. The timing of the exercise is also significant, coming shortly after a defence dialogue between the two countries in Beijing where military transparency and communication were discussed. Both nations have dispatched their own vessels to monitor the Chinese fleet. New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasized the lack of prior notification from China regarding the naval deployment.
First Piper 