Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly criticized China's actions following reports of a Chinese fighter jet firing flares near an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea. The helicopter was engaged in enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea when the incident took place. Canberra has conveyed its concerns to Beijing through diplomatic channels, but as of now, there has been no response from China. This incident has further heightened existing tensions, particularly concerning security, as Australia bolsters its alliance with the US to counter China's influence in the region.
Albanese stated on Tuesday that it was unacceptable for Australian defense personnel to face risks in international airspace due to the actions of the Chinese military while carrying out operations to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea.
According to Defense Minister Richard Marles, a Chinese air force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred meters ahead of an Australian MH60R Seahawk helicopter during a routine flight in the Yellow Sea on Saturday. The helicopter was part of an operation to enforce sanctions against North Korea.
In a televised interview, Albanese mentioned that China has not yet publicly responded to Australia's concerns regarding the incident. He emphasized that Australia had made the matter public to clearly and unequivocally express that such behavior is unacceptable.
Albanese reiterated that Australian Defense Force personnel were operating in international waters and airspace, ensuring the enforcement of sanctions imposed by the United Nations on North Korea due to its provocative actions. He emphasized that they should not have been put at any risk.
The Australian government expects China to provide an explanation for the incident, and Albanese noted that Australia has made strong representations to China at various levels. He also mentioned the upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Australia, stating that Australia would convey its position during discussions.
The helicopter, flying from the destroyer HMAS Hobart, successfully avoided the flares. However, the confrontation posed a risk to the aircraft and its occupants, although no injuries were reported, according to the Department of Defense.
This incident marks the second such occurrence in six months, overshadowing what had otherwise been a warming relationship between the two countries after years of strained ties and trade disputes.
In November, Australia reported that a Chinese naval vessel had injured some of its divers in Japanese waters using underwater sonar, an incident that China denied. Australia rejected China's explanation.
Furthermore, in 2022, Australia protested after a Chinese navy vessel pointed a laser at an Australian military aircraft near Australia's northern coast. Another incident involved a Chinese fighter aircraft dangerously intercepting an Australian military surveillance plane in the South China Sea, releasing a "bundle of chaff" containing aluminum pieces that were ingested into the Australian aircraft's engine.
Liu Jianchao, head of the international department of the Chinese Communist Party, suggested during a visit to Australia in November that the movements of the Australian navy in the South China Sea and East China Sea seemed aimed at containing China. However, Australia has emphasized its respect for the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.
China's claim of sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, contested by several other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, has been a source of ongoing tension. An international tribunal in 2016 ruled against China's expansive claim.
Chinese navy vessels have been observed off Australia's coast multiple times in recent years, often participating in exercises with the US military.
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