Defence chief Angus Campbell has refuted Beijing's accusation that an Australian helicopter was involved in spying on the Chinese military, highlighting that the Seahawk was acting appropriately during the incident. General Campbell addressed the media following the military confrontation that took place in the Yellow Sea, emphasizing that the Australian military was not provoking China while on a UN mission in international waters.
Contrary to Beijing's claims of the Australian helicopter engaging in close-in reconnaissance of training activities, General Campbell stressed that it was China's actions that were inappropriate and unprofessional. He called upon all international military partners to maintain professionalism and safety in their operations, underscoring the dissatisfaction with China's response to the incident. The Defence chief refrained from confirming whether direct communication would be initiated with Chinese counterparts regarding Australia's concerns about the encounter off the South Korean coast where a People's Liberation Army-Air Force plane dropped flares in close proximity to the Seahawk helicopter.
In a separate development, General Campbell defended Australia's AUKUS plans for nuclear-powered submarines, urging critics to refrain from doubting the ambitious project. He highlighted the need to move past self-imposed limitations and embrace significant national defence initiatives, drawing parallels to historical large-scale projects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Defence chief's remarks aimed to instill confidence in Australia's defence capabilities and deter any skepticism surrounding the strategic decisions made by the country.