voiced concern Friday over warships conducting live-fire exercises off its coast in the Tasman Sea.
“It is, as I understand it, operating in international waters. We will be discussing this with the Chinese, and we already have at officials level, in relation to the notice given and thetransparency, that has been provided in relation to these exercises, particularly the live fire exercises,” Foreign Minister Wong told Australian broadcaster ABC News.
She was speaking from Johannesburg, where she is attending a G20 meeting.
Flights alerted
Air traffic control agency Airservices Australia also warned commercial pilots flying between Australia and New Zealand of a potential hazard in the airspace.
“The Civil Aviation Authority and Airservices Australia are aware of reports of live firing in international waters. As a precaution, we have advised airlines with flights planned in the area” air traffic control agency Airservices Australia said in a statement on Friday.
Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar said they have temporarily adjusted some flights between Australia and New Zealand.
Australian and International Pilots Association Vice President Captain Steve Cornell, said it was unusual to have Chinese warships in this part of the ocean, but pilots often had to contend with unexpected obstacles like military drills, space debris or volcanic eruptions.
“That being said, it’s a big bit of ocean and you would think that they could have parked somewhere less inconvenient whilst they flexed their muscles,” he told AP news agency.
Chinese ships being monitored
China’s frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi and replenishment vessel Weishanhu were spotted last week. They traveled down to east coast, and are by the naval and air forces of Australia and New Zealand.
Last week, Australia chided because its fighter jet dropped flares near an Australian air force plane patrolling the South China Sea.
In response, Beijing said Australia was “violating Chinese sovereignty and endangering Chinese national security.”
In 2024, Canberra accused Beijing of intercepting its Seahawk helicopter by in its path.
China is vying for in the region by forming relations with Pacific island nations. This has concerned the US and Australia, which have enjoyed influence in the region for years.
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