Australia expresses concern over "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter with Chinese aircraft

According to the Australian Defence Ministry, the PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A, posing a risk to the aircraft and its crew. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported.

"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," the Australian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

It added, "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 further said that no injuries were sustained by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel nor was damage caused to the RAAF P-8A. "The safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority," the statement said.

It added, "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."

Meanwhile, China's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson condemned Australia's deliberate provocations in violating China's sovereignty in the South China Sea.

Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson, urged Australia on Friday to impose stricter controls on its military activities in the region, warning that such provocations could harm both Australia and regional stability, Xinhua reported. (ANI)