Australia has lodged a formal protest with Beijing following an incident where a Chinese Shenyang J-16 fighter jet released flares in close proximity to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. The Australian Department of Defence described the manoeuvre as “unsafe and unprofessional,” emphasizing that it posed a significant risk to both the aircraft and its crew. No injuries or damage were reported.
The encounter occurred during a routine maritime surveillance operation conducted by the RAAF in international airspace. Australia maintains that such patrols are in strict accordance with international law, asserting its right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. The Department of Defence reiterated its expectation that all nations, including China, conduct military operations safely and professionally.
This incident adds to a series of confrontations between Australian and Chinese military forces in the South China Sea. In a previous episode, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet intercepted an Australian P-8 Poseidon, releasing flares and chaff, some of which were ingested by the Australian aircraft’s engines. Additionally, the Australian Defence Force is currently monitoring three Chinese warships—two frigates and a replenishment vessel—operating near Australia’s northeast coast. While these vessels’ movements comply with international law, Australia remains vigilant, underscoring the importance of respecting navigation and overflight rights.
The South China Sea remains a highly contested region, with multiple nations asserting overlapping territorial claims. China’s extensive land reclamation and militarization activities have been a point of contention, leading to heightened tensions with countries conducting lawful operations in the area. Australia has consistently voiced its opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions that alter the status quo, advocating for adherence to international law and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
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