Australia accuses China of unsafe behavior when fighter jet released flares in a helicopter’s path

Australia has protested to Beijing through multiple channels that a Chinese fighter jet endangered an Australian navy helicopter with flares over international waters, the prime minister said Tuesday.

Beijing retorted that the Australian aircraft deliberately flew close to China’s airspace in a “provocative move” and had to be warned off.

The incident occurred Saturday 04 May 2024, as the Australian air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart was enforcing U.N. Security Council sanctions against North Korea in international waters in the Yellow Sea, Australian officials said Monday. There were no injuries or damage reported.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian public expected an explanation from China. “We’ve made it very clear … through all of our channels, at all measures at our disposal, including here publicly,” Albanese said.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a regular briefing Tuesday that China lodged an official protest with Australia over its military’s “risky moves.”