Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles says airliners were over the Tasman Sea crossing between Australia and New Zealand when the Chinese navy warned they were flying over a secret live-fire exercise.

Summary

China’s navy conducted live-fire exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand without prior notification, prompting concerns and flight diversions.

Airliners flying over the Tasman Sea first received warnings from a Chinese warship, leading to course changes by several flights.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles criticized the lack of notice, calling it “disconcerting,” noting that the Australian navy typically provides 12 to 24 hours’ notice for such exercises.

China defended the drills as legal and safe. Foreign Minister Penny Wong plans to address the issue with China at a G20 meeting.