China's naval drills off eastern Australia lead to flight diversions

Dozens of commercial flights were diverted last week due to unexpected live-fire drills by three Chinese warships off eastern Australia. The drills occurred beneath a busy flight path between Australia and New Zealand, prompting immediate changes in flight routes. Australia's air safety agency learned of the drills when a commercial flight picked up a broadcast from the Chinese vessels. A total of 49 flights were affected, with some already in the air when the warning was confirmed. While Australia acknowledged that the drills were conducted in international waters and complied with international law, it criticized China for not providing adequate warning. China defended its actions as safe and standard.