A Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian military aircraft over the South China Sea, increasing tensions between the two nations, according to Australian authorities.
Australia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the incident, calling it an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction.” Despite the close encounter, the P-8A surveillance aircraft sustained no damage, and no injuries were reported.
However, China countered the claim, stating that the Australian aircraft had “intentionally intruded” into Chinese airspace. Beijing insisted that the Chinese fighter jet acted in a “legitimate, lawful, professional, and restrained” manner in response.
This latest military confrontation adds to ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, where China’s territorial claims overlap with those of neighboring countries. While Australia has no territorial claims in the region, it remains aligned with the United States and its allies, rejecting China’s sovereignty claims.
Ongoing Military Disputes Between Australia and China
The Australian Defence Ministry reiterated its stance, stating that “all countries, including China, should operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.”
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused Australia of violating China’s sovereignty and urged Canberra to “stop undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
This incident is not the first of its kind. In May last year, Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares near an Australian navy helicopter during a UN Security Council mission in the Yellow Sea. Similarly, in November 2023, Canberra accused Beijing’s navy of using sonar pulses in international waters near Japan, injuring Australian divers.
Australia Monitors Chinese Naval Activity
Meanwhile, Australia is monitoring three Chinese navy vessels operating northeast of its waters. According to the Defence Ministry, these vessels traveled through Southeast Asia before entering Australia’s maritime approaches, with one vessel moving into northern Australian waters.
Australia reaffirmed its commitment to international law, stating that it “respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight” and expects the same in return.
Great