Tensions Rise: Near Miss Between Australian Surveillance Plane and Chinese Fighter Jet
In a recent escalation of military interactions in the South China Sea, Australia has lodged a formal complaint with Beijing following an alarming incident involving its P8 surveillance aircraft. According to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, a Chinese J16 fighter jet released flares that came perilously close—within just 30 metres—of the Australian aircraft during a confrontational encounter in international airspace.
The incident took place on Tuesday, when the P8 came across two Chinese J16 jets, leading to what Canberra described as an 'unsafe and unprofessional maneuver' by one of the Chinese planes. This conduct raises serious concerns regarding the safety and professionalism expected from military operations, as emphasized by the Australian government.
In a statement, Australia's Ministry of Defence stated, "We expect all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner." The Chinese embassy in Australia has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this event.
Minister Richard Marles spoke to Sky News on Thursday, detailing the risks posed by the flares. He remarked, "The flares fired by the Chinese plane passed within 30 metres of the P8. The J16 was so close that there’s no way you could have been able to guarantee that the flares did not hit the P8." He further warned that, had any of those flares struck the surveillance aircraft, it would likely have caused significant damage.
This incident marks the first known military clash between Australia and China in nine months, underscoring the persistent tensions that exist in the region. The growing military assertiveness of China has been a source of concern for Australia and its allies. In a related incident last May, Australian officials reported that a helicopter pilot had to take evasive measures to avoid flares dropped by a Chinese J10 fighter plane over the Yellow Sea. Moreover, in November 2023, Australia accused the Chinese navy of causing injuries to its divers by deploying sonar pulses in international waters off Japan.
In response to these ongoing threats, Australia has aligned itself with the AUKUS trilateral security partnership alongside the United States and the United Kingdom, established in 2021. One of the critical facets of this agreement is Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, an initiative aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities against regional adversaries.
As tensions escalate, the Australian government remains vigilant in monitoring interactions with China in the South China Sea—a strategic area that has become a focal point for geopolitical friction in recent years.
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