Australia Accuses China of “Unsafe” Maneuver in South China Sea; Beijing Retaliates
Tensions flared between Australia and China after Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of conducting an “unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre” near an Australian air force plane patrolling the South China Sea, Al Jazeera reports.
The incident, which occurred on February 11, involved a Chinese Shenyang J-16 releasing flares in close proximity to the Australian Poseidon surveillance aircraft.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) stated that its plane was conducting a “routine” surveillance patrol over the contested waters when the Chinese jet approached. Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed that the flares passed within 30 meters (100 feet) of the Australian aircraft, which typically carries a crew of around nine. While no injuries were reported, Marles emphasized the “potential for significant damage” caused by the maneuver.
Marles told Sky News that the Australian government had lodged its concerns with Chinese officials in both Canberra and Beijing, expressing its “displeasure” over the incident.
Beijing Responds, Accuses Australia of Sovereignty Violation
Beijing swiftly responded with a counter-accusation, claiming the Australian plane had “violated Chinese sovereignty and endangered Chinese national security.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the Australian military aircraft “deliberately intruded into the airspace around China’s Xisha Islands,” referring to the Paracel Islands. These islands are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Guo added that China had lodged “solemn representations” with Canberra, demanding an end to the alleged “infringements and provocations.”
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a claim rejected by an international ruling in 2016 which found it had no legal basis.
Escalating Tensions in Contested Region
The incident marks the latest in a series of tense encounters between China and Australia in the increasingly contested airspace and shipping lanes of Asia.
Adding to the complexity, the incident coincided with the arrival of three Chinese navy vessels in waters northeast of Australia’s mainland. According to Australian Defence Department officials, a Chinese frigate and cruiser were spotted near Australia’s “maritime approaches” accompanied by a supply tanker
Minister Marles stated that the naval presence appeared unrelated to the aircraft incident, but confirmed that the Australian navy had deployed its own frigate to shadow their voyage.
