Australia alerts airlines to Chinese live-fire drills near Sydney

Australia has warned airlines about Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises near its east coast, leading to rerouted flights. The exercises occurred within 150 nautical miles of Sydney, a significant move for Chinese naval operations. Australian and New Zealand forces are monitoring the situation. Airlines like Qantas and Air New Zealand have adjusted flight paths as a precaution. Officials stated the exercises are legal but expressed concerns over the lack of prior notification. Australia's foreign minister plans to address transparency regarding these drills at an upcoming G20 meeting. The exercises mark a rare instance of Chinese military activity affecting civilian air traffic in the Pacific.