China: Military drills continue in the Yellow Sea near Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, through Aug. 15

Event

The Chinese military will hold drills in the Yellow Sea off the northeast coast of Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, through Aug. 15. The drills will be held daily 08:00-18:00. Authorities have established an exclusion area to facilitate the exercise. The zone is around 1 km (0.6 miles) northeast of Lianyun District and extends about 12 km (7.5 miles) northeastward. The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has banned civilian vessels from entering the area for the duration of the exercises. It is unclear if the MSA notification applies to civilian aircraft.

The drills and associated exclusion zone may prompt regional flight and maritime shipping disruptions. The exercises may restrict shipping traffic in waterways near port facilities in Lianyungang. Flight delays could occur at airports serving Lianyungang Huaguoshan International Airport (LYG), and potentially offshore helicopter services.

Advice

Confirm flights through Aug. 15 if traveling through LYG as a precaution. Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. If possible, consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo.