By Nairobian News Desk

Airlines have been forced to reroute flights between Australia and New Zealand as China conducts a rare and closely-watched military exercise in the Tasman Sea. The presence of three Chinese naval ships has raised concerns in both Australia and New Zealand, with Australian officials calling the operation “unusual.”

Qantas confirmed to the BBC that it had “temporarily adjusted” its flight routes to avoid the area, with other airlines reportedly taking similar precautions. The Chinese military exercise, which may involve live fire, is taking place in international waters but has drawn significant attention due to its proximity to Australia’s east coast.

The Chinese naval fleet, consisting of a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker, was reported to be as close as 150 nautical miles from Sydney before moving further out to 340 nautical miles east of New South Wales.

Both Australia and New Zealand have been closely monitoring the fleet, deploying their own naval assets to observe the exercises. However, officials from both countries have criticized China’s lack of direct communication regarding the drill.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice, telling the New Zealand Herald that China “have not deigned to advise us on what they are doing in the Tasman Sea.” Similarly, Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles called the situation “unusual” and criticized the manner in which China issued its alert.

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the naval exercises were conducted in “distant waters” and adhered to “relevant international laws and practices.” Spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the drills were carried out in a “safe, standard, and professional manner.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that the Chinese fleet had broadcast an alert regarding potential live fire exercises but emphasized that there was no imminent danger to Australian or New Zealand assets. However, Defence Minister Marles noted that China had not directly informed Australian officials, instead broadcasting the alert over frequencies accessible to commercial aircraft.

In one incident, an Emirates flight traveling from Sydney to Christchurch reportedly received the alert mid-flight. The BBC is seeking confirmation of the event.

Qantas, along with Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, have continued to monitor the situation and adjust flight paths as necessary.

This military drill comes shortly after Australia and China held a defence dialogue in Beijing aimed at improving military transparency and communication. Despite this, tensions remain high, with both nations recalling recent maritime encounters that have strained relations.

In early February, Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of releasing flares near an Australian military aircraft over the South China Sea. Similar incidents occurred in 2023, including sonar pulses allegedly used by the Chinese navy that injured Australian divers off Japan.

As regional powers monitor China’s naval movements, the situation highlights the growing complexities of military operations in international waters and their impact on global aviation and diplomacy.

Stay updated with Nairobian for the latest developments on this story.