US Coast Guard Ship in Tasman Sea Did Not Interact With Chinese Navy, Commander Says

By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY, Feb 25 (Reuters) – A U.S. Coast Guard cutter crossing the Tasman Sea as part of maritime security cooperation with Australia and New Zealand knew Chinese naval ships were in the area but had no interaction with them, its commanding officer said on Tuesday.

China’s navy held live-fire exercises on Friday and Saturday in international waters between Australia and New Zealand that Australian officials have described as unprecedented. The drills forced airlines to change the paths of 49 commercial flights for safety reasons.

The movements of the People’s Liberation Army Navy frigate, cruiser and refueling vessel involved are being monitored by Australian and New Zealand defense forces.

The U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter Midgett arrived in port in Sydney on Saturday from New Zealand.

“We were aware of their presence,” Captain Matthew Roon…