Chinese Warships Spotted by Pilot of Passenger Plane near Australia

sydney - Australian air traffic control alerted to Chinese warships off the coast through pilot report, leading to flight diversions.

Pilot Alerts Australian Authorities to Chinese Naval Exercises

An Australian air traffic control supervisor revealed that Chinese warships conducting exercises off the coast were first discovered due to a pilot report. The exercises had been ongoing for about half an hour when the pilot raised the alarm, resulting in the diversion of 49 flights between Australia and New Zealand.

While the Chinese exercises were not in violation of international laws, Australian sources noted that typically a 24 to 48-hour notice is given for such activities. The Chinese Ministry of Defense had previously stated that warnings were issued before the exercises and they did not pose a threat to aviation safety.