China: Military drills to take place in the Bohai Sea near Dalian, Liaoning Province, through Sept. 8

Event

The Chinese military will hold drills in the Bohai Sea off the west coast of Dalian, Liaoning Province, through Sept. 8. Authorities have established an exclusion area to facilitate the exercises. The zone is around 35 km (21 miles) west of Dalian and extends about 12 km (8 miles) westwards. The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has banned civilian vessels from entering the area for the exercise's 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 Dalian. Flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in the region, especially Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) 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 Sept. 8 if traveling through DLC as a precaution.