China: Military drills occurring in the Bohai Sea near Dalian, Liaoning Province, through 16:00 Oct. 16

Event

The Chinese military is holding drills in the Bohai Sea off the southern and southwest coasts of Dalian, Liaoning Province, through 16:00 Oct. 16. Authorities have established an exclusion zone that begins approximately 7 km (4 miles) south of central Dalian and extends 32 km (20 miles) south, 46 km (29 miles) west, and 24 km (15 miles) northeast.

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 Oct. 16 if traveling through DLC as a precaution.