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Australia Condemns “Unsafe” Chinese Military Encounter
(MENAFN) Australia has alleged that a Chinese military plane released flares “in close proximity” to one of its surveillance aircraft during a flight over the South China Sea.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, involved a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon.
According to a formal statement issued by the Department of Defence on Monday, the Australian government has expressed its disapproval to Beijing, labelling the maneuver as both “unsafe and unprofessional.”
Despite the close encounter, the Australian aircraft was not harmed, and no injuries were reported among its crew.
The defence department stressed that, although no physical damage occurred, such incidents raise significant safety concerns in contested airspace.
In response, a representative from the Chinese military claimed the Australian jet “illegally intruded” into what China considers its sovereign airspace. Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, a spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater Command Air Force, accused the Australian forces of conduct that “seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty.”
He called on Canberra to “immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions.”
The Australian Defence Force reaffirmed its stance that all nations, including China, should ensure their military operations are carried out in a safe and respectful manner.
They underscored the expectation of professional behavior from all military forces operating in international zones.
This event adds to a series of recent confrontations between Chinese and Australian forces in the region, where China’s sweeping territorial assertions over numerous islands and reefs have led to friction with neighboring states.
These overlapping claims have fueled ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Coincidentally, the incident took place as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was en route to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump.
A key topic on the agenda is expected to be Aukus—a strategic, multi-billion dollar submarine partnership involving Australia, the US, and the UK.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, involved a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon.
According to a formal statement issued by the Department of Defence on Monday, the Australian government has expressed its disapproval to Beijing, labelling the maneuver as both “unsafe and unprofessional.”
Despite the close encounter, the Australian aircraft was not harmed, and no injuries were reported among its crew.
The defence department stressed that, although no physical damage occurred, such incidents raise significant safety concerns in contested airspace.
In response, a representative from the Chinese military claimed the Australian jet “illegally intruded” into what China considers its sovereign airspace. Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, a spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater Command Air Force, accused the Australian forces of conduct that “seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty.”
He called on Canberra to “immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions.”
The Australian Defence Force reaffirmed its stance that all nations, including China, should ensure their military operations are carried out in a safe and respectful manner.
They underscored the expectation of professional behavior from all military forces operating in international zones.
This event adds to a series of recent confrontations between Chinese and Australian forces in the region, where China’s sweeping territorial assertions over numerous islands and reefs have led to friction with neighboring states.
These overlapping claims have fueled ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Coincidentally, the incident took place as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was en route to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump.
A key topic on the agenda is expected to be Aukus—a strategic, multi-billion dollar submarine partnership involving Australia, the US, and the UK.
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