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2h ago

Australia Condemns 'Unsafe' Chinese Flares Near RAAF Patrol Plane in South China Sea

Canberra has lodged formal complaints with Beijing, citing the right to operate in international airspace.

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File photo of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong walks by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Overview

  • The defence ministry said a PLA-AF Su-35 released flares in close proximity to a RAAF P-8A Poseidon on 19 October during a surveillance patrol over the South China Sea.
  • Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Chinese jet fired flares on two occasions, with some released very close to the Australian aircraft, though exact distances were not disclosed.
  • No Australian personnel were injured and the P-8A sustained no damage, according to the official statement.
  • Australia raised the incident with the Chinese embassy in Canberra and through its embassy in Beijing, and it reiterated that its patrols are conducted lawfully under UNCLOS.
  • Chinese authorities have alleged the Australian aircraft entered Chinese airspace near the Paracel Islands and urged it to cease provocation, as Australia notes similar flare incidents in February 2025 and May 2024.