31 Mar 2022 | 04:03 AM UTC
China: Military drills to continue in the northern South China Sea through April 9 /update 2
China holding military drills in the South China Sea through 18:00 April 9. Regional flight, maritime delays possible. Confirm transport.
Event
The Chinese military is holding drills in the northern South China Sea, off the southwestern, southeastern, and eastern coasts of Hainan Island, as of March 31. Authorities have established the following exclusion areas to facilitate the exercises:
Approximately 44 km (27 miles) northeast of Qionghai, Hainan Province, extending about 8 km (5 miles) eastward through 19:00 April 1.
Around 70 km (43 miles) east of Sanya, Hainan Province, extending about 40 km (25 miles) eastward through 18:00 April 7.
Approximately 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Sanya, extending about 90 km (55 miles) southwestward through 18:00 April 9.
The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has banned civilian vessels from entering 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 Chinese ports in Sanya and Qionghai, as well as Da Nang in Vietnam. Flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in the region, especially Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX), Qionghai Bo'ao Airport (BAR), 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 April 9 if traveling through SYX as a precaution.
