US Coast Guard cutter Midgett crosses Tasman Sea without engaging Chinese navy

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Midgett, crossed the Tasman Sea without interacting with Chinese naval ships nearby, according to its commander. The Chinese navy conducted live-fire exercises in the area last weekend, prompting changes to 49 commercial flight paths. The U.S. Coast Guard has increased its operations in the South Pacific since 2024, focusing on illegal fishing. The Midgett's mission is part of maritime security cooperation with Australia and New Zealand, aimed at maintaining national sovereignty. China has registered coast guard vessels for fisheries patrols in the Pacific Islands for the first time in 2025. The Midgett will next head to Papua New Guinea for an illegal fishing patrol.