Chinese Warships Conduct Live-Fire Drill, Diverting Commercial Flights
Drill in International Waters
Chinese warships recently carried out a live-fire drill in the waters between Australia and New Zealand, leading to the diversion of commercial flights in the region. The Chinese navy had informed the Australian Defence Department shortly before the exercise on Friday.
Details of the Drill
Three vessels from the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-Navy) – the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu – conducted the drill about 340 nautical miles off Eden, New South Wales. This exercise took place in international waters and adhered to international law.
At least three commercial flights altered their flight paths as a result of the exercise.
Chinese Ships Shadowed by New Zealand Vessel
The Chinese naval task group, known as Taskgroup 107, notified Australia early on Friday of their planned live-fire exercise. A New Zealand Navy vessel shadowed the flotilla during the drill, observing the change in formation, target placement in the water, and the subsequent recovery of the target. While no live fire was directly observed, the manoeuvres aligned with the characteristics of a live-fire drill.
No Surface-to-Air Firing Reported
There were no reports of surface-to-air firing during the drill. The Australian military has expressed concern over the short notice of the exercise but does not view it as an elevated threat to airspace users.
Government Reactions and Concerns
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that China had given prior notice of the live-fire drill. He stressed that the exercise took place outside of Australia’s exclusive economic zone, and both Australian and New Zealand ships and aircraft monitored the Chinese fleet’s movements.
Regarding his level of concern, Albanese stated the drill was in line with international law, and China had provided adequate warning.
Opposition Criticizes Government’s Response
Defence Shadow Minister Andrew Hastie criticized the Albanese government’s handling of the situation, accusing the Chinese government of using “gunboat diplomacy.” He argued that the Australian government had been too passive in standing up for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Foreign Minister’s Statement
Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged that the situation was evolving but noted that live-fire exercises had likely occurred. She confirmed that Australia had been in discussions with China at official levels, particularly regarding transparency around the exercises. Wong also mentioned that the Australian military was closely monitoring the Chinese task group, although it was operating in international waters.
Airspace and Flight Diversions
Airservices Australia has been advising pilots in the area via radio. The Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia are aware of reports concerning live firing in international waters. As a precaution, airlines operating in the area have been advised of the ongoing situation, and a designated airspace protection zone – 18 km around the Chinese vessels and up to 45,000 feet – remains in effect.
Ongoing PLA-Navy Exercises
Earlier reports from Chinese media indicate that the PLA-Navy frigate, cruiser, and replenishment vessel have been conducting “real-combat” exercises in an unspecified part of the Pacific Ocean over the past month. The presence of these ships off Australia’s coast follows a recent incident in the South China Sea, where a Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian military plane.