Australia warns airlines over Chinese navy live-fire drills in Tasman Sea

Qantas and Jetstar have temporarily adjusted some flights between Australia and New Zealand due to the military activity

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An Australian ship shadows the Chinese vessels in the Tasman Sea on February 13. Photo: Australian Defence Force via AP

Published: 2:43pm, 21 Feb 2025Updated: 3:35pm, 21 Feb 2025

Airlines modified flight paths between Australia and New Zealand on Friday after China notified Australia that the People’s Liberation Army Navy would hold live-fire exercises off the New South Wales coast in international waters, a rare event.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Friday afternoon that the time period for the Chinese navy exercises had expired, and it was unclear if live fire had been used by the Chinese navy.

“China issued, in accordance with practice, an alert that it would be conducting these activities, including the potential use of live fire. It’s outside of Australia’s exclusive economic zone,” he said, indicating it was at least 200 nautical miles (370km) offshore.

“According to defence, there has been no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets, and that’s why this notification occurs,” he added.

A PLA Navy frigate, cruiser and replenishment vessel last week entered Australia’s maritime approaches, and travelled down Australia’s east coast this week, monitored by the navies and air forces of Australia and New Zealand.

Airlines were contacted by Australia’s air traffic control agency on Friday warning them of reports of live fire where the Chinese navy task group was operating, the agency and Australian officials said.