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The Australian Government has cited ‘unsafe and unprofessional’ behaviour of Chinese military forces after flares were released in close proximity to Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.
A People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) J-16 fighter aircraft dropped flares in close proximity to a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea on 11 February 2025, according to Defence.
No injuries were sustained by Australian Defence Force personnel nor was damage caused to the RAAF P-8A. However the safety and wellbeing of ADF personnel continues to be the utmost priority, according to Defence.
“This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” according to a Defence statement.
“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.
“For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.”
In addition, Defence has released a statement on February 13 confirming that a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) task group is operating to the north east of Australia.
“Defence can confirm the Chinese vessels are the PLA-N Jiangkai-class frigate named Hengyang; the PLA-N Renhai cruiser named Zunyi and the PLA-N Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu,” according to a separate statement.
“Defence routinely monitors all maritime traffic in our Exclusive Economic Zone and maritime approaches. The vessels travelled through Southeast Asia, before entering Australia’s maritime approaches. One of the vessels, the Hengyang, transited the waters to Australia’s north.
“Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, just as we expect others to respect Australia’s right to do the same.
“Defence will continue to monitor the activities of the task group in Australia’s maritime approaches with a combination of capabilities, including air and maritime assets.”
