Airlines warned as Chinese navy to hold live-fire exercises off Australia

21/2/2025 15:48

Airlines modified flight paths between Australia and New Zealand on Friday after China notified Australia that the People's Liberation Army Navy would hold live-fire exercises off the New South Wales coast in international waters, a rare event.



Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Friday afternoon that the time period for the Chinese navy exercises had expired, and it was unclear if live fire had been used by the Chinese navy.



"China issued, in accordance with practice, an alert that it would be conducting these activities, including the potential use of live fire. It's outside of Australia's exclusive economic zone," he said, indicating it was at least 200 nautical miles offshore.



"According to defence, there has been no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets, and that's why this notification occurs," he added.



A People's Liberation Army Navy frigate, cruiser and replenishment vessel last week entered Australia's maritime approaches, and travelled down Australia's east coast this week, monitored by the navies and air forces of Australia and New Zealand.