Canberra has formally protested to Beijing after a new aerial incident deemed "dangerous and unprofessional." According to the Australian Department of Defense, a Chinese fighter jet dropped several flares in the immediate vicinity of an Australian maritime patrol aircraft, endangering the aircraft and its crew.
The incident occurred while the Australian aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance mission in the strategic but highly contested South China Sea. The ministry condemned the "irresponsible" behavior that could lead to a serious accident, stressing that Australia's operations in the region are conducted "in accordance with international law."
New tension in an already sensitive area
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that he had sent a formal protest to Beijing, calling on China to "ensure the security and predictability of military interactions in the region."
For its part, China did not immediately respond to the accusations, but Beijing generally regards Australian surveillance missions as provocations in waters it largely claims.
The incident comes in a string of air and naval skirmishes between Chinese forces and Western allies in recent months. It highlights the fragile balance of power in the South China Sea, a scene of growing rivalry between China and several regional powers, including Australia, the United States, and Japan.
