"Provocative Move": Tensions Rise As China Claims To Have Warned Australian Aircraft Over Yellow Sea Incident

China stated on Tuesday (7 May) that its military took actions to warn and alert an Australian aircraft after Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of endangering one of its military helicopters during an "unsafe" encounter over the Yellow Sea, as per a report by The Economic Times.

The incident has the potential to strain relations between the two nations, which have been attempting to improve ties following a downturn in 2020 when Canberra called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, leading Beijing to impose trade barriers.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that a Chinese air force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of an Australian MH60R Seahawk helicopter during a routine flight on Saturday.

The incident occurred during an operation to enforce sanctions against North Korea, but no injuries were reported.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it "unacceptable" for Australian defence personnel to be put at risk in international airspace.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, claimed that the Australian aircraft deliberately flew close to China's airspace in a "provocative move" that endangered maritime air security.

Lin stated that the Chinese military took necessary measures to warn and alert the Australian side, handling the situation in accordance with China's laws and regulations.

Lin added that China had lodged serious protests with Australia over its actions and urged Australia to cease provocations to prevent misunderstanding and miscalculation.

This incident is the latest in a series of incidents between China and other countries, including Canada and the United States, involving accusations of unsafe behaviour in the skies.

Australia has previously accused China of "unsafe and unprofessional" actions at sea, and tensions between the two nations have occasionally escalated despite recent efforts to improve relations.