Maneuvers with the participation of three Chinese units – frigates, cruiser and supply ship – took place In international waters, about 340 nautical miles (630 km) southeast of Sydney. These units stayed in Australian coastal waters last week, and in recent days they moved along the east coast of Australia. Their movements were monitored by both Australia and New Zealand's Navy.
Australia: Airlines change routes of flights
The Australian Air Navigation Agency has published Airlines warning. At least three carriers, including Qantas, Emirates and Air New Zealand, changed the routes of its flights between Australia and New Zealand to avoid the exercise area. Emirates confirmed that Lot EK 412 from Sydney to Christchurch had to change the course after receiving a message from the Chinese Navy.
– When a change of activity in the airspace was detected, the flight crew EK 412 made a slight correction of the route in accordance with the industry protocol and in consultation with the air traffic control to maintain optimal safety standards – the spokesman for the Emirates line said Reuters.
Australia demands explanations from China
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted that although China officially notified of exercises, this The deadline for the announcement of maneuvers raises reservations. “It is not clear whether acute ammunition was used, but our defensive forces said that there was no direct threat to Australia or New Zealand,” Albanese said quoted by the Reuters agency.
Defense Minister Richard Marles pointed out that China, although observed international lawbut providing information at the last minute set airlines in a difficult situation. – Pilots had to change the course almost immediately Marles said in an interview with Radio ABC Perth. Australia She asked China for explanations regarding the purpose of the exercise and the short notification date.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia Penny Wong announced that she would take this topic with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Both are currently in the capital of South Africa, where the G20 summit is underway.
According to Reuters, He also looks at the matter New Zealand. The local defense minister Judith Collins announced that the New Zealand TE KAHA frigate was near Chinese maneuvers and observed the ALW activities. “Similarly to Australia, our main priority is the safety of our people, units and aircraft. However, there is no direct threat to New Zealand” – Collins emphasized in the issued statement.
China responds to the allegations
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun explained that the command of the Southern Operational Theater of the People's Army and the Liberation Army organized a fleet to conduct exercises and training in distant waters, and Everything was done in accordance with the law. – Exercises and training activities observed safety standards and professional operations in accordance with relevant regulations and international practices – he said at a press conference in Beijing.
Reuters reminds that controversial maneuvers off the coast of Australia take place Just a week after the incident in the South China Sea regionwhere the Australian army accused Chinese forces of “dangerous and unprofessional” actions against the patrol of Royal Australian Air Force. Beijing then claimed that the Australian plane “deliberately violated” China's airspace.
Voltage on the Canberra-Pekin line
Relations between Australia and China They were tense before in connection with the aggressive actions of the ALW. In the past, among others To drop flares before Australian air units or the use of sonar in a way that caused injuries to Australian divers. Current exercises in international waters are part of a broader context of the growing military activity of China in the Indo-Pacific region.