Australia is fuming because a Chinese military plane released flares close to its military plane in South China Sea. The Australian government said on Thursday (February 13) raised concerns about the incident involving a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and China's People's Liberation Army-Air Force (PLA-AF) J-16 fighter aircraft.
As per Australia's Defence Ministry, the Chinese fighter jet released the flares while it was close to the Australian military plane. There was no damage to the Australian plane or the crew.
"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. On 11 February 2025, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea experienced an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a PLA-AF J-16 fighter aircraft," said the statement issued by the Australian Defence Ministry.
"The PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A aircraft. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel," the statement said further.
"Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner. For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace." it added.
China considers the entirety of South China Sea to be part of it own territorial waters. It vigorously opposes presence of foreign military in its 3.5 million square kilometre expanse.
Quite expectedly, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson condemned what was called to be deliberate provocation and an attempt to violate China's sovereignty in South China Sea.
Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson, said that Australia should exercise stricter control on its activities in the region. Zhang warned that such provocations would harm Australia and regional stability.
