Three Chinese warships are currently off the coast of Tasmania, forcing Air New Zealand flights between Hobart and Auckland to change their path.
The Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu have reportedly been conducting live firing exercises in the Tasman Sea.
Australian aviation officials say they were first alerted to the potential exercise last week after a Virgin Airlines pilot picked up warnings over an emergency radio frequency.
An Emirates flight from Sydney to Christchurch was also told by the Chinese military to avoid the area on Friday morning before the vessels began their drills.
On Monday, the Australian Defence Force said the ships were 280 nautical miles east of Tasmania, but have since moved closer, with their current position around 218 nautical miles away.
Air New Zealand have today opted to reroute their flights between Hobart and Auckland to stay clear of the Chinese vessels.
Today’s Auckland to Hobart and Hobart to Auckland trips flew near Flinders Island before turning rather than the usual turn near Freycinet.
A Pulse journalist onboard the flight from Hobart to Auckland this afternoon said it is unusual to see the Tasmanian coast north of Freycinet on the route.
“The pilots made no mention of anything out of the ordinary. It was a great last look at Tasmania for many passengers onboard,” he said.
China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Wu Qian has accused Australia of “deliberately hyping up” the exercises.
They say the country had given notice in advance, complied with international law and not affected aviation safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week confirmed China’s actions were consistent with international law, but Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised concerns about transparency over the military testing.
