Australia alerts airlines as China plans live fire drills off east coast

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that China has warned of potential "live fire" naval drills off its eastern coast. Commercial flights have been advised to avoid the area as a precaution. The Australian defense department is monitoring Chinese naval vessels, including a frigate and a cruiser, spotted near the coast. Albanese stated there is no imminent risk to Australian or New Zealand assets. Australia's air safety agency has adjusted flight paths for airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia, due to the drills. The presence of Chinese ships near Australia's mainland has been described as "unusual" by Defense Minister Richard Marles.