Overview

• Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea near Australia and New Zealand, disrupting 49 commercial flights due to late hazard notifications.
• Pilots first became aware of the exercises through emergency radio broadcasts, with official alerts from air traffic control coming later, raising safety concerns.
• Australia and New Zealand criticized China's failure to provide timely advance notice, highlighting the lack of standard aviation safety protocols like NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).
• China's ambassador to Australia defended the drills as routine and compliant with international law, rejecting calls for an apology and emphasizing the nations' strategic partnership.
• The Chinese naval flotilla, including three warships, has since moved south of Australia, with Australian officials urging calm but acknowledging the likelihood of more frequent Chinese naval activities in the region.