According to new press reports, planes flying between Australia and New Zealand have been diverted asbecayse China is conducting an unusual and closely watchedmilitary exercise in nearby waters that may involve live fire. Three Chinese naval ships in the Tasman Sea has put both antipodean countries on alert in recent days, with Australia calling it “unusual”. Qantas Airlines told the BBC it “temporarily adjusted” the routes of its planes and other carriers have reportedly done the same. China has said the exercise, which is taking place in international waters, is in accordance with international law. According to the news reports, the Chinese ships are now reportedly 340 nautical miles east of the New South Wales coast of Australia, although they were said to have come as close as 150 nautical miles from Sydney at one point.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Chinese fleet issued an alert on Friday that they would start conducting exercises which may involve live fire.
In early February, it was announced that a Chinese fighter jet had released flares in front of an Australian military aircraft while flying over the South China Sea. Beijing said the aircraft had “intentionally intruded” into its airspace.
Jeff Newman JD MBA, represents whistleblowers nationwide relating to customs and tariff fraud concerning imported Chinese goods as well as corporate whistleblowers in major claims under the False Claims Act (Qui Tam), and SEC, IRS and FINCEN whistleblower programs. He can be reached at Jeff@JeffNewmanLaw.com or at 617-823-3217
