SYDNEY: China warned Australia on Friday (Feb 21) of potential “live fire” naval drills in international waters off the eastern coast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as commercial flights were told to steer clear of the area.
Australia’s defence department has been monitoring the Chinese navy vessels – a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker – since they were spotted last week.
Albanese said the fleet had on Friday alerted Australian officials that it may start conducting live fire drills, and that ships and planes should steer clear.
“This is activity that has occurred in waters consistent with international law,” Albanese said.
“There has been no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets, and that’s why this notification occurs.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier voiced concern over the exercises.
“We will be discussing this with the Chinese,” she told national broadcaster ABC from Johannesburg where she was attending a G20 meeting.
Australia’s air safety agency warned commercial flights to alter their course after receiving “reports of live firing in international waters”.
“As a precaution, we have advised airlines with flights planned in the area,” government agency Airservices Australia said in a statement.
“We are also working together to coordinate advice to operators and pilots.”
Qantas and its subsidiary budget airline Jetstar temporarily adjusted some flights between Australia and New Zealand, industry sources said.
Virgin Australia also heeded the advice, while Air New Zealand said it had “modified flight paths as needed to avoid the area”.
