MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian authorities have issued a caution to airlines operating flights between Australian airports and New Zealand regarding the presence of Chinese warships that may be engaged in a live-fire drill within the Tasman Sea. This warning was communicated by officials on Friday.

Airservices Australia, the nation’s air safety regulator, alerted commercial pilots about the potential risks in the airspace between Australia and New Zealand, as three Chinese naval vessels undertook exercises off the eastern coast of Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that China had notified authorities about the possibility of live weapon firings during the operations of these warships.

Although Australian defense officials remained unsure if any live fire had taken place, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that the situation had since stabilized.

“There was no immediate threat to any Australian or New Zealand assets,” Albanese reassured the press, referencing updates from his Defense Ministry.

Air New Zealand, the national airline, announced that it had adjusted its flight routes as necessary to circumvent the area, ensuring that its services remained uninterrupted.

Similarly, Virgin Australia stated that it was adhering to the guidance from Airservices Australia but did not clarify if its flights to New Zealand were rerouted.

Pilots from Virgin, Qantas, and Emirates flying from Sydney to New Zealand altered their flight paths after receiving a distress signal from one of the Chinese warships regarding the imminent live-fire exercise, according to Nine Network television.

Australian and New Zealand naval vessels, along with P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, have been tracking the Chinese fleet, which includes the frigate Hengyang, the cruiser Zunyi, and the replenishment ship Weishanhu, for several days.

Chinese warships seldom operate this far south, which is viewed as a testament to the expanding capabilities and presence of the Chinese navy.

Captain Steve Cornell, Vice President of the Australian and International Pilots Association and representative of Qantas pilots, expressed concern over the location of the Chinese exercise.

“While it is uncommon to observe Chinese warships in these waters, pilots frequently face various challenges to safe navigation from military drills like this or other occurrences, such as rocket launches, debris from space, or volcanic activity,” Cornell stated. “That said, given the vastness of the ocean, one would think they could conduct their maneuvers in less obstructive areas,” he added.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong plans to address the situation during her meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the ongoing G20 ministers’ summit in South Africa, according to Albanese.

The Chinese military drills were deemed legal and occurred in international waters, well outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone, Albanese stated.

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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Charlotte Graham-McLay based in Wellington, New Zealand.