China’s Naval Exercises Cause Commercial Flight Disruptions

What Happened?

Several commercial flights from New Zealand to Australia were diverted from their normal routes due to concerns that nearby Chinese naval forces were conducting live fire exercises. 

China had broadcast a message that its navy would hold live-fire exercises off Australia's New South Wales coast in international waters, leaving airlines little choice but to take action. 

Air New Zealand, Quantas, and Emirates all diverted aircraft to avoid potentially flying through the area where China’s naval activity was occurring.

New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins told Radio New Zealand the maneuvers by China represented “the most significant and sophisticated [vessels] that we have seen this far south.” 

She also added that the Chinese naval activity occurred roughly one hundred and thirty kilometers off the coast of Sydney. 

Why it Matters

The exercises by China’s navy occurred during a visit to Australia by the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo. Admiral Paparo gave an address where he warned that the United States was facing an “axis of autocracy” between China, Russia, and North Korea.

“Their joint naval exercises are growing more sophisticated in the Northeastern Pacific,” the four-star admiral recently said during a speech at the Honolulu Defense Forum.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said “They have been abiding by international law. But there is no doubt that this is, not unprecedented, but an unusual event.” The location of the exercises is what makes it an unusual event, because the area in which the activity took place is far from mainland China. 

Typically, China’s naval vessels tend to stay closer to China’s coast while conducting these kinds of exercises. The movement further out to sea could indicate an increased confidence in their capabilities and a political desire to send a message that China can project power further into the Pacific region. 

China has been increasing investments in its military forces in recent years, including naval forces which would be essential to any potential operation against Taiwan. This exercise could be interpreted as proof that China’s investments are paying off.

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry tried to downplay the event, saying the exercises were “carried out in a safe, standard, professional manner in accordance with international law and international practice.” While that is technically true, the location and timing of the exercises suggest China was making a statement to the United States and its allies in the Pacific region. 

How it Affects You

The U.S. military presence in Australia has been growing along with increased participation in joint exercises in the region. 

That growth is expected to accelerate under the Trump Administration, which promised as much during the election. China’s recent naval exercises indicate Chinese leaders want both the United States and Australia to know they are aware of and not intimidated by the growing U.S. military presence in the region.

The moves signal increasing tensions between the U.S. and China in the Pacific.