Australia Raises Alarm Over China's 'Unsafe' Military Jet Maneuvers

Mon Oct 20 2025 17:08:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Australia has expressed concerns regarding a recent incident involving a Chinese military aircraft that allegedly threatened an Australian patrol jet by releasing flares in close proximity. This encounter highlights ongoing tensions between Australia and China in the region.

In a recent encounter over the South China Sea, Australia accused a Chinese military jet of unsafe maneuvers, releasing flares close to an Australian P-8A aircraft. The Australian government has voiced concerns over the 'unsafe and unprofessional' actions of the Chinese military, while China responded by claiming the Australian jet had illegally entered its airspace. This incident marks the latest in a series of military interactions between the two nations in a region rife with territorial disputes, especially as Australia's Prime Minister heads to the US to discuss defense agreements.

Australia has accused a Chinese military aircraft of releasing flares in close proximity to its patrol jet over the South China Sea.

The Australian government has raised its concern with Beijing over the unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre, the defence department said in a statement on Monday.

There was no damage to Australia's P-8A aircraft and its personnel were unharmed after Sunday's encounter.

A Chinese military spokesperson claimed the Australian jet illegally intruded into China's airspace and had to be expelled.

The Australian aircraft's actions seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty, said Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, spokesperson for China's Southern Theater Command Air Force, urging Canberra to immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions.

Australia’s Defence Force emphasized the expectation that all countries, including China, should operate their militaries safely and professionally.

This is the latest in a string of encounters between the two countries' militaries in the region, where China's vast claims over islands and outcrops overlap with those of its neighbors.

Sunday's incident coincided with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to the US for a meeting with President Donald Trump, where discussions on the Aukus submarine deal between Australia, the US, and the UK are expected.

Australia previously accused a Chinese jet of dropping flares near an Australian plane back in February, with China stating the Australian jet had intentionally intruded into its airspace at that time.

Despite having no claims over the South China Sea, Australia has allied closely with the US and other allies to counter what they view as unfounded claims by China in the region.

In May 2023, the Australian government also accused a Chinese fighter plane of dropping flares near an Australian navy helicopter involved in a UN Security Council mission off the Korean coastline.

Additionally, in November 2023, Canberra raised alarms over allegations that Beijing's navy used sonar pulses in international waters off Japan, which allegedly resulted in injuries to Australian divers.