Australia raised concerns with China over its claims that it was “dangerous and unprofessional” behaviour by Chinese fighters against the Australian Maritime Patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft is a daily occurrence in international waters in the South China Sea when Chinese PLA J-16 fighters released flares within 100 feet of Australia's defense RAAF aircraft Surveillance patrols were being conducted. Minister Richard Marless said Thursday.
“That's an action that we declared unsafe. In a television interview with Sky News Australia, Marles expressed concern to the Chinese government not only in Canberra yesterday and today, but also in Beijing.
The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Australia's Department of Defense also noted that the Chinese Navy Task Group operates in northern Australia.
PLA Navy frigates, cruisers and refills have entered Australia's maritime approach, with Jiang Kai-class frigate Hengyan passing through the water north of Australia, the Department of Defense said in another statement Thursday.
The Australian Air Force and Navy were monitoring Chinese frigates that had passed through the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea, and remained in Australia's exclusive economic zone, Marles said.
“I would like to know that Australians are paying attention to what this task group is doing, but from an international law perspective, there are both ways we can proceed with this. I'll definitely make sure that. And it's safe,” Marless said.
The Department of Defense said in a statement that Australia respects the right to exercise freedom of voyage in all states, hoping that it will exercise freedom during flight and respect the right of others to do the same. He said there was.
The series of naval and air force interactions in the South China Sea, which Australia labeled as dangerous, have previously strained diplomatic relations.
In 2023, Australia said divers were injured in Japan's exclusive economic zone when Chinese warships deployed sonar at close range.
China has previously said that the incident occurred near its territory.
