China: Military drills to take place in the Bohai Sea near Dalian, Liaoning Province, through Sept. 8 /update 1

Event

The Chinese military will hold drills in the Bohai Sea off the northeastern and west coasts of Dalian, Liaoning Province, through Sept. 8. Authorities have established the following exclusion areas to facilitate the exercises:

• Approximately 95 km (59 miles) northeast of Dalian with an 8 km (5 miles) radius through 18:00 Aug. 21.

• Approximately 35 km (21 miles) west of Dalian and extends about 12 km (8 miles) westwards through Sept. 8.

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.