07 Mar 2022 | 07:35 AM UTC
China: Military drills taking place in the northern South China Sea through March 15
China holding military drills in the South China Sea through 18:00 March 15. Regional flight, maritime delays possible. Confirm transport.
Event
The Chinese military is holding drills in the northern South China Sea, off the southwest coast of Hainan Island, as of March 7. Authorities have established an exclusion area to facilitate the exercises through 18:00 March 15. The zone begins approximately 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Sanya, Hainan Province, and extends about 90 km (55 miles) southwestward. The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has banned civilian vessels from entering within five nautical miles (9.26 km, 5.75 miles) of the area for the exercises' duration. It is unclear if the MSA notification applies to civilian aircraft.
The drills and associated exclusion zone may prompt minor regional maritime shipping delays. The exercises may restrict shipping traffic in waterways to ports in Sanya and Da Nang, Vietnam. Flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in the region, especially Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) and, potentially, offshore helicopter services.
Advice
Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. If possible, consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo. Confirm flights through March 15 if traveling through SYX as a precaution.
