In yet another provocation of U.S. allies, China conducted live-fire naval drills in international waters on Friday without providing adequate notice, causing nearly 50 commercial flights to suddenly alter their courses in midair to avoid the area.
Typically, warnings are given 12-24 hours in advance to allow airlines to adjust flight paths—China gave no warning at all. It took 40 minutes after the live-fire drill began for the Australian Department of Defense to be notified.
The drills were first discovered by a Virgin Australia pilot who intercepted a Chinese radio broadcast. The pilot immediately alerted Air Services Australia who then informed the Department of Defense.
This is yet another in a string of incidents that demonstrate China’s willingness to endanger lives and provoke conflict without crossing the line into direct military confrontation. Yet, with…
