US Coast Guard ship crosses Tasman Sea without engaging Chinese navy, commander confirms

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Midgett, crossed the Tasman Sea without interacting with Chinese naval ships nearby. The Chinese navy conducted live-fire exercises in the area, prompting changes to 49 commercial flight paths for safety. Captain Matthew Rooney stated that the presence of Chinese ships did not affect their operations. The U.S. Coast Guard has increased its presence in the South Pacific to assist local nations in maintaining sovereignty and preventing illegal fishing. China has registered coast guard vessels for fisheries patrols in the Pacific Islands for the first time in 2025. The Midgett will continue to Papua New Guinea for an illegal fishing patrol.