Chinese Warships Live-Fire Drill Diverts Flights in Pacific

In a significant military maneuver, Chinese warships conducted an apparent live-fire drill in the waters between Australia and New Zealand, prompting the diversion of commercial flights. The exercise involved three vessels from the People’s Liberation Army-Navy: the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu. These ships were located approximately 340 nautical miles off the coast of Eden, New South Wales.

The Australian Defense Department was notified shortly before the exercise commenced. The naval group, known as Taskgroup 107, had previously informed Australian authorities about their plans for the live-fire drill. Although no actual live fire was observed, the ships’ maneuvers—such as target placement and recovery in the water—were consistent with such an exercise.

This unexpected drill led to at least three commercial flights altering their routes to avoid the area. The New Zealand navy also monitored the exercise, shadowing the Chinese flotilla. Meanwhile, Australian authorities have reached out to China for further details regarding the exercise and any future plans.

The incident has stirred diplomatic tensions, with criticisms from local politicians about the approach of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration. Defense Shadow Minister Andrew Hastie accused the government of failing to adequately respond to what he described as “gunboat diplomacy” by China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, while at a G20 meeting in Johannesburg, indicated that discussions with China would continue, focusing on transparency and the appropriate notifications for such military activities. This exercise, conducted in international waters, follows a recent encounter involving a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian military plane in the South China Sea, heightening regional security concerns.

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