Surprise Chinese naval drills caused dozens of Australian flight diversions

Army-Navy (PLA-N) Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang sailing at an undisclosed location. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong voiced concern on Feb 21 over live fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country's east coast. - AFP

SYDNEY: Dozens of commercial flights were forced to change course when Chinese warships unexpectedly announced live-fire drills off eastern Australia last week, officials have told a government hearing.

Three Chinese warships conducted a series of naval drills last Friday (Feb 21) and Saturday, stationed underneath a busy flight path linking Australia and New Zealand.