Why did China choose to conduct live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, and what was the reaction from Australian authorities?

China conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea as part of a demonstration of its navy's capabilities. Australian authorities were not directly notified by China, but airlines received warnings from Chinese warships, leading to flight diversions. Australian officials expressed concern over the lack of prior notification and are discussing better communication with China.

Were there any actual live-fire incidents during the exercises, and what was the impact on flights between Australia and New Zealand?

Australian defense officials were uncertain if any live fire occurred during the exercises. However, several flights between Australia and New Zealand were diverted as a precautionary measure due to the warnings issued by Chinese warships.

How will this incident affect future interactions between Australian and Chinese military and aviation authorities?

The incident has prompted discussions between Australian and Chinese officials to improve notification and transparency regarding future naval exercises, particularly live-fire drills. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong plans to address this during a meeting with her Chinese counterpart.

Were the Chinese exercises legal, and did they pose any risk to Australian or New Zealand assets?

The Chinese exercises were conducted in international waters and were legal. According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, there was no imminent risk to Australian or New Zealand assets during the exercises.

6 sources·World

Australia Issues Warnings as Chinese Warships Conduct Live-Fire Exercises in Tasman Sea

Airlines are advised to divert flights due to a potential live-fire exercise by Chinese naval vessels in the Tasman Sea, causing airspace disruption.

50%

33%

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The Chinese exercise was legal and took place in international waters outside Australia's exclusive economic zone.
Australia warns airlines to beware of Chinese naval exercises in the Tasman Sea
NPR·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Australian defense officials were uncertain whether any live fire of weapons had occurred.
Australia warns airlines to beware of a potential Chinese navy live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea
ABC News·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Chinese warships brazenly conducting live-fire exercises off Australia’s coast—right between us and New Zealand—forcing flight diversions, is nothing short of incendiary, dangerous, and unacceptable.
Commercial Flights Diverted After CCP Warships Begin Surprise Live-Fire Exercise Near Australia
Epoch Times·1M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
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The drill, conducted at short notice, was viewed within the Australian military as a “significant disruption” but not one that posed an elevated risk to airspace users.
Commercial flights diverted as Chinese warships undertake apparent live-fire drill in sea between Australia and New Zealand
The Guardian·1M
Reliable
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Leans Left
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Airlines have been contacted by Australia’s air traffic control agency warning them of reports of live fire off the country’s east coast where a Chinese navy task group has been operating, the agency and Australian officials said.
Commercial airlines warned as Chinese navy holds live fire exercise off Australia
CNN·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

Feb 21st, 2025, 6:51 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Australia has alerted airlines about a potential live-fire exercise conducted by Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea, leading to flight diversions. Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that no imminent risk was present for Australian or New Zealand assets. The drills, carried out by three Chinese vessels, were legal and occurred in international waters, prompting discussions between Australian and Chinese officials for enhanced communication on future notices. Flight paths were adjusted without significant operational impact for airlines like Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia.

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