Chinese live-fire exercise in Tasman Strait prompts flight course changes near Australia

Chinese warships conducted a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Strait, forcing 49 aircraft to change course. The incident went undetected by air traffic authorities for 30 minutes, with a Virgin pilot alerting officials after overhearing communications from the ships. The Chinese military activity occurred 150 nautical miles east of Sydney, marking the furthest south the navy has operated along Australia's eastern coastline. This development raises concerns about air traffic safety in the region. Airservices Australia confirmed the pilot's report was the first notification of the live-fire exercise. The situation highlights potential gaps in monitoring foreign military activities near Australian airspace.