A Chinese naval task force, identified as Taskgroup 107, has conducted a live-fire exercise in the Pacific Ocean, prompting several commercial flights to divert their routes. The operation took place approximately 340 nautical miles off the coast of Eden, New South Wales, and involved a frigate, a cruiser, and a replenishment vessel. The Chinese navy informed the Australian defence department of the exercise early on Friday, just before it commenced.
Operating in international waters outside Australia's exclusive economic zone, the exercise was part of a series of "real-combat" maneuvers that the Chinese navy has been conducting in the Pacific Ocean over the past month. A New Zealand navy vessel shadowed the Chinese fleet to observe the drill. Meanwhile, Airservices Australia provided pilots with guidance via radio to ensure safe navigation around the designated airspace protection zone, which was 18 kilometers in radius and extended up to 45,000 feet.
The exercise led to at least three commercial flights altering their courses. Although considered a "significant disruption" by the Australian military, it did not pose an elevated risk to airspace users. The Chinese government had issued warnings about the exercise, including the potential use of live fire. This event followed a recent incident in the South China Sea where a Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian military aircraft.
The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, described the presence of the Chinese ships as an evolving situation but acknowledged their operation in international waters.
“It’s outside of Australia’s exclusive economic zone,” she noted.
Wong assured that the Australian military was closely monitoring Taskgroup 107 and confirmed ongoing discussions with Chinese officials regarding notice and transparency related to these exercises.
“We will be discussing this with the Chinese, and we already have at official level, in relation to the notice given and the transparency provided in relation to these exercises, particularly the live fire exercises,” Wong stated.
The situation has drawn criticism from Australian opposition figures. Shadow minister for defence, Andrew Hastie, accused the Chinese government of employing "gunboat diplomacy" and criticized Australia's leadership for not adequately supporting its defence personnel.
“For two and a half years, Anthony Albanese and Richard Marles have refused to stand up for our ADF personnel,” Hastie argued.
“The Australian people deserve to know what is going on, and they deserve better leadership from our weak prime minister.”
A spokesperson for Airservices Australia confirmed awareness of live firing reports in international waters.
“The Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia are aware of reports of live firing in international waters,” they stated.
The exercise reflects ongoing tensions in the region amid concerns over China's military activities. The presence of New Zealand navy vessels and Australian aircraft monitoring the Chinese fleet underscores regional vigilance.
“Australia and New Zealand ships and aircraft have been monitoring the Chinese fleet while they have been travelling down the coast of Australia off the coast, as you would expect us to be doing,” an unnamed source highlighted.