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Chinese fighter jet released flares 'very close' to Australian aircraft

On Sunday, a People's Liberation Army Air Force Su-35 fighter aircraft released flares near a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the South China Sea, with Canberra calling the encounter dangerously close.
Tensions over overlapping territorial claims led to repeated risky encounters as China asserts claims against neighbours, while Australia aligns with the United States and international partners including the United Kingdom, Japan and the Philippines.
Defence Minister Richard Marles called the interaction `unsafe and unprofessional` and said no Australian Defence Force personnel were injured as crews remained safe, while the ADF stated, `Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.`
Australia lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing on Monday and formally expressed concern after the flare release, while the Australian government said it will continue operating in international waters to uphold the rules-based order.
The incident coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to meet US President Donald Trump about AUKUS and follows prior flare episodes including one in May last year.

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Chinese fighter jet released flares 'very close' to Australian aircraft

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