Chinese Fighter Harasses Australian Surveillance Aircraft Over South China Sea, Officials Say

A People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighter released flares 30 meters away in front of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon on patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday prompting the Australian government to express its concern to China on such actions. “The PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A aircraft. This was an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” reads a Thursday statement from the Australia Defence Department. “Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.” Australia’s