Australia has formally protested to China following a dangerous encounter in the Yellow Sea, where a Chinese fighter jet allegedly released flares near an Australian navy helicopter, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Australia has filed a formal complaint against China following an incident in the Yellow Sea where a Chinese fighter jet allegedly endangered an Australian navy helicopter by releasing flares. The confrontation occurred during a United Nations mission involving the Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart, which was enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea off the Korean coastline.
The incident involved a Chinese J-10 fighter jet deploying flares approximately 300 meters in front of and 60 meters above an Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter. This required the pilot to execute evasive maneuvers to maintain safety. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned the actions of the Chinese jet as “unsafe and unprofessional,” and highlighted the importance of professional and safe conduct in international waters.
Australia’s response included lodging a formal protest with Beijing, addressing concerns over what was described as a continuation of aggressive actions by China in the region. This event follows previous tensions, including an episode where a Chinese warship allegedly targeted Australian divers with sonar pulses in Japanese waters, escalating regional hostilities.
The incident underscores ongoing maritime disputes and the delicate state of Australia-China relations, despite recent efforts to improve bilateral ties, exemplified by an upcoming visit to Australia by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international law and ensuring the safety of its military personnel during operations.
