Chinese warships conduct live fire drills near Australia's coast prompting air safety warnings

Three Chinese warships conducted live fire military drills less than 300 km east of Sydney, Australia, on February 21, 2025. The Australian Defence Force reported that China provided minimal warning, only a verbal broadcast on a civil aviation channel. Airservices Australia issued a hazard advisory to passenger planes in the area. An Emirates flight was directly warned to change course to avoid the airspace. The Australian Navy has deployed two vessels to monitor the Chinese task group. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concerns over the lack of notice from China. She emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to international law during military exercises in international waters.