A Chinese jet fighter has released flares in front of an Australian military plane during what Defence describes as an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction in the South China Sea this week.
Officials have revealed the encounter occurred on Tuesday during daylight hours, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) J-16 released within 30 metres of the RAAF P-8 Poseidon.
Defence says no personnel were injured and there was no damage to the P-8, but it has lodged formal objections with the PLA both in Canberra and Beijing.
“The Australian government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People’s Liberation Army — Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft,” Defence said in a statement.
“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.”
Separately the ADF has revealed that it’s monitoring three Chinese warships operating in the Coral Sea north-east of Australia, which is not believed to be related to the incident in the South China Sea.
Defence confirmed the Chinese vessels were the Jiangki-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai cruiser Zunyi and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
The vessels were operating in legal territory in accordance with international law.
“Defence will continue to monitor the activities of the task group in Australia’s maritime approaches with a combination of capabilities, including air and maritime assets,” the department said in a statement.
Loading
