Australia Condemns Chinese Jet's 'Unsafe' Flares in South China Sea

Australia has lodged formal protests after a Chinese fighter jet released flares dangerously close to an Australian surveillance plane during a routine patrol in international airspace.

A Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares within 30 meters of an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft conducting a patrol in the South China Sea on February 11, 2025.
Australia described the incident as 'unsafe and unprofessional,' raising concerns about the potential risk to its aircraft and personnel, though no injuries or damage were reported.
China accused the Australian aircraft of violating its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, a claim Australia rejects, emphasizing its operations adhered to international law.
The Australian government has lodged formal objections with China in both Canberra and Beijing, while China defended its actions as legitimate and restrained.
The incident coincides with increased Chinese military activity, including the presence of three Chinese naval vessels near Australia's northeast coast, which are being monitored by the Australian Defence Force.