Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles criticized a Chinese J-16 fighter jet for an incident in the South China Sea in which it released flares within 30 meters of a P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft. The maneuver, which occurred during daylight in international airspace, was labeled as "unsafe and unprofessional" because the flares could have potentially struck the aircraft, posing significant danger to both the plane and its crew.
The P-8, typically manned by eight or nine crew members, sustained no damage and no one was injured during the event, Marles noted. He emphasized that the proximity of the Chinese fighter jet left little margin for error, warning that any contact between the flares and the surveillance aircraft could have created a serious risk.
In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson defended the actions taken by the Chinese pilot, stating that the Australian aircraft had deliberately intruded into the airspace over the disputed Paracel Islands, a territory claimed by China. Beijing maintained that its response was both legitimate and professional.
This diplomatic protest, which was raised in Canberra and Beijing, marks the first major disclosure by Australia regarding military clashes with China in nearly nine months. Earlier episodes have included similar incidents, such as flare releases by a Chinese J-10 fighter last year and an encounter involving a Chinese destroyer near an Australian naval vessel off Japan.
The growing tension between the two nations reflects broader concerns as Australia moves closer to its allies by procuring advanced nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. Meanwhile, regional disputes over maritime rights persist, with ongoing confrontations in the South China Sea involving nations like the Philippines and China, highlighting the enduring volatility in the area.