Australia has issued a warning to airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand due to potential hazards caused by Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea.
On February 21, 2025, Australia issued a warning to airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand due to potential hazards caused by Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. The warning was prompted by the presence of three Chinese warships – frigate ‘Hengyang’, cruiser ‘Zunyi’, and replenishment vessel ‘Weishanhu’ – exercising their freedom of navigation in international waters off the Australian east coast.
China has been conducting extensive naval exercises in recent years, showcasing its growing maritime capabilities.
These exercises involve large-scale deployments of warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.
The drills aim to improve China's 'naval tactics' , interoperability with other branches of the military, and response times in case of a crisis.
According to a report by the US Department of Defense , China conducted 18 major naval exercises between 2019 and 2020, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its naval power.
The Chinese naval exercise has raised concerns about China’s growing military presence in the region. The exercises were conducted in compliance with relevant international law and international practice, according to a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson ‘Guo Jiakun’ . However, the location of the exercise – in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand – has been criticized as inconvenient for air traffic.
China has been increasing its military presence in recent years, with a focus on modernizing and expanding its armed forces.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), China's defense budget increased by 7.2% in 2020, reaching $261 billion.
The country has also established several new military bases abroad, including in Djibouti and the South China Sea.
Beijing has stated that these efforts are aimed at protecting its national interests and maintaining regional stability.
Australian Prime Minister ‘Anthony Albanese’ stated that there was no imminent risk of danger to any Australian or New Zealand assets. New Zealand Defense Minister ‘Judith Collins’ also confirmed that there was ‘no ongoing danger’ to her country. However, the incident highlights the need for better communication between nations regarding military exercises in shared airspace.
The warning resulted in several flights being diverted from their original course. Airlines such as ‘Air New Zealand‘ and ‘Virgin Australia’ modified flight paths to avoid the area. Qantas and Emirates pilots also reported diverting their courses after receiving a warning from one of the Chinese warships about an imminent live-fire exercise.
The incident has sparked discussions between Australia, China, and other nations regarding the need for better communication and cooperation in situations like this. Australian Foreign Minister ‘Penny Wong’ stated that she would discuss the issue with her Chinese counterpart ‘Wang Yi’ at a G20 ministers meeting underway in South Africa.
International relations refer to the interactions and connections between different countries, governments, and international organizations.
These relationships can be diplomatic, economic, cultural, or security-related.
Key aspects of international relations include diplomacy, trade agreements, and global governance.
The 'United Nations' plays a significant role in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
International relations also involve non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocate for human rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
