Australia’s air traffic control agency has warned airlines about reports of live firing in international waters, where a Chinese navy task group has been operating off the country’s east coast. The Civil Aviation Authority and Airservices Australia are taking precautions to advise airlines with flights planned in the area.
Qantas and Jetstar have temporarily adjusted some flights across the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the live fire involved the Chinese task group, which is operating in international waters. She will be discussing this issue with China at an officials’ level to ensure transparency about the exercises.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that China had notified Australian authorities on Friday that they would hold an exercise off the coast of New South Wales state. The situation remains evolving, and Defense Minister Richard Marles has not commented on the matter yet.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/21/asia/australia-newzealand-flights-china-navy-exercise-intl-hnk/index.html