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2mo ago

China’s Naval Drills in Tasman Sea Prompt Safety Concerns from Australia and New Zealand

Live-fire exercises by Chinese warships disrupted commercial flights and raised questions about notification protocols and regional security.

Image
Chinese destroyer CNS Zunyi, top, frigate CNS Hengyang, middle, and replenishment ship CNS Weishanhu transit the Tasman Sea near Australia on February 22, 2025.
The U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter Midgett is seen in the port at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney, Australia February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham
In this photo provided by the Australian Defense Department on February 20, 2025, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta, bottom, monitors Chinese replenishment vessel CNS Weishanhu, left, and frigate CNS Hengyang, right, in the Tasman Sea.

Overview

  • Chinese naval vessels conducted two live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, forcing the diversion of at least 49 commercial flights due to short-notice warnings.
  • Australia and New Zealand criticized the lack of sufficient advance notification, which aviation officials say should ideally be 12 to 24 hours to ensure safety.
  • China asserted that the exercises complied with international law and maintained they had provided adequate warnings, rejecting accusations of irresponsibility.
  • The drills, the first of their kind in the Tasman Sea, highlight China's growing naval reach and raise regional security concerns for Australia and New Zealand.
  • Experts suggest the incident underscores the need for clearer international protocols or a regional naval code of conduct to prevent future disruptions.