US EditionChinese 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.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Chinese fighter jets spark panic after unleashing 'dangerous' flares at Australian plane
Panic broke out in the South China Sea this weekend after a Chinese fighter jet let off "dangerous" flares "very close" to an Australian plane. Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles has blasted Beijing as "unsafe and unprofessional" - while Australia's military said it was "concerned" about the run-in.The Australian Defence Forces confirmed that while the flare did pose a danger to Royal Australian Air Force personnel and equipment, no injuries or…
On Monday, the Australian authorities denounced the “dangerous” and “unprofessional” manoeuvring by a Chinese Air Force fighter near one of his aircraft during a series of patrolling exercises over disputed areas of the South China Sea. Australia’s Ministry of Defence has indicated in a statement that a Chinese fighter used “bengals” in the form of a “low-distance” alert for one of the aircraft, although he has ruled out damage to the aircraft, …
Australia sent a note to Beijing expressing its concern after a Chinese passenger plane launched signaling rockets near one of its maritime patrol aircraft, announced months...
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