Incident Over South China Sea Sparks Diplomatic Row
Australia has lodged a formal protest with China following an incident in the South China Sea where a Chinese fighter jet released flares 'dangerously close' to an Australian maritime patrol aircraft. The encounter, which occurred on Sunday, October 19, 2025, involved a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducting a routine surveillance mission in international airspace. Australian officials have condemned the Chinese jet's actions as 'unsafe and unprofessional'.
Australia Condemns 'Unsafe and Unprofessional' Conduct
According to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, the Chinese fighter jet, identified by some sources as a People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLA-AF) Su-35, approached the Australian P-8A Poseidon and released flares on two separate occasions. Marles stated that while interactions between military aircraft can be routine, 'the proximity at which the flares were released' made the incident 'unsafe and unprofessional'. The P-8A Poseidon, based on a Boeing 737 commercial airframe, is described as a large jet aircraft not particularly maneuverable in an instant, highlighting the potential danger posed by the flares. No injuries to Australian personnel or damage to the aircraft were reported. Australia has formally conveyed its concerns to the Chinese embassy in Canberra and through its embassy in Beijing, reiterating its commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.
China Alleges Australian Intrusion into Airspace
In response, China has issued a counter-accusation, stating that the Australian military aircraft 'deliberately intruded' into Chinese airspace over the Paracel Islands (known as Xisha Qundao in China). A spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command Air Force, Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, asserted that Chinese forces tracked and monitored the Australian aircraft, implementing 'effective countermeasures' and issuing warnings to 'drive it away'. China maintains that its actions were 'proper, legal and professional measures to exercise restraint' and urged Australia to cease its 'provocations' that 'violated China's sovereignty and undermined China's national security'.
Escalating Tensions in Disputed Waters
This incident marks the latest in a series of military encounters between Australian and Chinese forces in the highly contested South China Sea. The region is a vital international waterway, but China claims sovereignty over much of it, a claim that is not recognized by international law and is disputed by several Southeast Asian nations. Such close encounters risk escalation or accidents that could draw in regional powers and underscore the rising military tensions in the area.
5 Comments
Rotfront
China's actions were undeniably dangerous and unprofessional, but Australia's presence in such a contested area does raise questions about the wisdom of escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Africa
This dangerous stunt by China proves their intent. Stand strong, Australia!
Karamba
Both Australia and China are contributing to the rising tensions in the South China Sea. While Australia asserts its rights, China feels threatened, creating a dangerous cycle that could easily lead to miscalculation.
Bermudez
While Australia has a right to freedom of navigation, conducting surveillance so close to disputed territories always carries risks. Both sides need to de-escalate.
Matzomaster
China is just defending its sovereignty. Australia shouldn't intrude.