Australia has lodged a formal protest with China after a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares dangerously close to an Australian P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the South China Sea, the Defence Department said on Monday.
The encounter described as “unsafe and unprofessional” occurred while the Australian plane was conducting routine surveillance operations in international airspace.
No injuries or damage were reported, but the flare release in close proximity to the patrol plane raised serious safety concerns.
This is not the first such incident. In February, Australia similarly accused a Chinese jet of dropping flares within 30 meters of its aircraft.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores rising military tension in the South China Sea, a vital waterway claimed largely by Beijing but traversed by Australia and its allies under the principle of freedom of navigation.
It also tests Canberra’s efforts to stabilize relations with China after a recent thaw following years of trade and diplomatic friction.
Such close encounters risk escalation or accidents that could draw in regional powers, including the United States.
Richard Marles (Australian Defence Minister):
“It’s the proximity at which the flares were released that makes this unsafe and unprofessional.”
He confirmed that Canberra had raised concerns with China’s embassy both in Canberra and through Australia’s embassy in Beijing.
Australian Defence Department:
Reiterated that all countries, including China, must operate their militaries “in a safe and professional manner.”
Chinese Embassy:
No immediate response to requests for comment.
What’s Next
The latest encounter could strain fragile Australia-China defence relations and prompt renewed calls in Canberra for transparency and rules-based conduct in contested airspace.
Observers expect Australia to press the issue at regional defence forums while maintaining open channels to avoid confrontation.
With information from Reuters.
