The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that on the 20th, Australia’s Department of Defence stated a Chinese warplane dropped flares near an Australian maritime patrol aircraft in South China Sea airspace. Canberra has raised concerns with Beijing, saying the incident was 'unsafe and unprofessional.' On the same day, the PLA Southern Theater Command stated that on the 19th, an Australian P-8A military aircraft entered Xisha airspace without approval, was lawfully tracked, monitored and warned to leave, and warned the Australian side to stop infringement and provocation.
According to the official WeChat account of the PLA Southern Theater Command, air force spokesperson Li Jianjian stated that on the 19th, an Australian P-8A military aircraft, without the approval of the Chinese government, illegally entered Chinese Xisha airspace. The PLA Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to lawfully and properly track, monitor, counter, and warn it to leave. The Australian action seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty and is highly likely to cause unintended maritime and air incidents. We sternly warn the Australian side to immediately cease infringement and provocations. The theater forces remain on high alert at all times, firmly safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.
Previously, foreign media pointed out that Australia’s Department of Defence said in a statement on the same day that the Chinese warplane dropped flares near an Australian maritime patrol aircraft on a reconnaissance mission in the South China Sea, posing a risk to the Australian plane and crew. This was unsafe and unprofessional behavior. Australia expects all countries, including China, to conduct their military activities in a safe and professional manner. No personnel were injured in the encounter between the PLA fighter and the Australian Air Force aircraft, and Australia’s P-8A "Poseidon" maritime patrol aircraft was not damaged.
Australian Defence Minister Marles said in an interview with Sky News Australia that the Chinese warplane fired flares twice. Marles said, "It [the Chinese aircraft] twice fired flares very close to the P-8A patrol aircraft," and, "It is because of the distance at which the flares were fired that we have reason to regard this behavior as unsafe and unprofessional." Australia has lodged a representation with Beijing.
Marles also said that the Australian crew was able to respond in time and remain safe, but the incident highlighted the ongoing risks of PLA provocative actions in the South China Sea. He emphasized that Australia would continue to operate in international waters and airspace to uphold the rules-based order while giving high priority to the safety of personnel. He said openly reporting the incident is part of the government’s strategy in response to dangerous conduct by the Chinese military. “It is very important to have clear communication and standards of behavior.”
Analysts say Beijing’s move is intended to force Australia and other Western countries away from the disputed waters of the South China Sea and areas close to China's coast. China is also dissatisfied with Australia’s joint operations and exercises with the UK, US, Japan, the Philippines and other countries in the South China Sea.