US Coast Guard ship operates in Tasman Sea without engaging Chinese navy

A US Coast Guard cutter, the Midgett, operated in 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 US Coast Guard has increased its presence in the South Pacific since 2024 to combat illegal fishing and support regional nations. 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.