Chinese warships conduct live-fire exercises, forcing flight diversions in Australia

In February 2025, the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China conducted live-fire drills in international waters separating Australia and New Zealand. The exercise was announced with minimal notice, causing immediate flight diversions for passenger planes due to safety concerns. Nearly a week prior, three Chinese warships were reported to have traversed through the Coral Sea, heading down towards Australia's east coast, prompting warnings from both Australian and New Zealand officials regarding the lack of transparency in the Chinese military movements. This sudden military presence raised questions about the motives behind the exercises, as tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have been escalating. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins both expressed dissatisfaction with China's notification practices, suggesting that improved communication and transparency prior to such exercises are necessary to maintain safety and security in the region. Observers noted how these maneuvers signify a broader strategy to project military power within the Indo-Pacific sphere, highlighting the need for careful monitoring from neighboring nations. Both countries have closely coordinated their responses, sharing intelligence and assessment to safeguard their respective maritime domains. Researchers and military analysts have indicated that such military drills could contribute to increasing friction among regional powers, especially with ongoing disputes in contested waterways. The recent live-fire exercises were executed without formal notifications being issued to the relevant authorities, raising alarms about future Chinese military operations that may take place without appropriate warnings to civilian air and sea traffic. Nonetheless, both Australia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to address potential threats and defend their national interests. The involvement of regional military forces, as seen with the New Zealand frigate HMNZS Te Kaha monitoring the situation, emphasizes the united approach in dealing with security dynamics posed by foreign naval presence. Furthermore, such events underline the critical importance of maintaining open lines of communication among militaries to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or incidents as they navigate through changing geopolitical landscapes.