Chinese Fighter Jet Releases Flares Near Australian Surveillance Aircraft Over South China Sea

Incident Over International Airspace

A Chinese Su-35S Flanker-E fighter jet reportedly released flares in close proximity to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft on Sunday, October 19, over international airspace in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred during a routine surveillance mission, has been strongly condemned by Australia as 'unsafe and unprofessional'.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, confirmed the encounter on Monday, October 20, stating that the flares were released 'very close' to the Australian aircraft. While no injuries were sustained by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel on board, nor was any damage caused to the P-8A, the maneuver posed a significant risk to the aircraft and its crew. The P-8A Poseidon, a modified Boeing 737, is a large jet aircraft not designed for rapid evasive maneuvers, making such close-range actions particularly hazardous.

Australian Rebuke and Diplomatic Action

Following a careful review of the incident, the Australian government has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing. Representations were made to Chinese diplomats in both Canberra and Beijing. Minister Marles emphasized Australia's expectation that 'all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner'. Australia maintains that its maritime surveillance activities in the region are conducted in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.

Pattern of Unsafe Interactions

This latest event is not an isolated incident but rather part of a concerning pattern of interactions between Chinese and Australian military forces in the contested South China Sea and broader Asian airspace. Previous notable incidents include:

• In February 2025, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares within 30 meters (100 feet) of an RAAF P-8A Poseidon over the South China Sea. Australia also deemed this interaction 'unsafe and unprofessional'. China, in response, claimed the Australian aircraft had 'deliberately intruded' into its airspace over the disputed Paracel Islands, asserting its actions were 'legitimate, lawful, professional and restrained'.
• In May 2024, a Chinese fighter jet was accused of releasing flares near an Australian helicopter on a UN mission, forcing it to take evasive action.
• In 2023, a Chinese destroyer allegedly used sonar pulses against Australian navy divers off the coast of Japan, causing minor injuries.

These repeated encounters underscore the ongoing tensions in the region, where China asserts expansive territorial claims over the South China Sea, claims that were largely dismissed by an international ruling in 2016.

Freedom of Navigation Asserted

Despite these incidents, Australia has affirmed its commitment to continuing freedom-of-navigation exercises in the region. The Australian Defence Force has conducted maritime surveillance activities in the South China Sea for decades, adhering to international law. The government's public condemnation of the recent flare release highlights its resolve to ensure the safety of its personnel and uphold international norms in contested waters and airspace.