China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Off Australia’s East Coast Without Notice

Australia’s air traffic control authorities were unaware of an impending Chinese naval live-fire drill off its east coast until a Virgin Australia pilot alerted them via radio communications, officials revealed in a Senate hearing. The drills took place within Australia’s exclusive economic zone and have sparked tensions between Beijing and Canberra. Despite previous warnings from China about military exercises, no prior notice was given to Australian authorities, highlighting the lack of transparency.

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-25/virgin-pilot-alerted-australia-to-china-navy-s-live-fire-drills