An Australian patrol aircraft was flying over the South China Sea when out of nowhere—a Chinese fighter jet fired flares just 30 meters in front of it.
The Defense officials called the maneuver an “unsafe and unprofessional” stunt by the People’s Liberation Army’s fighter jet.
It all went down on Tuesday when a PLA J-16 fighter cut dangerously close to an RAAF P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, lighting the sky with flares in broad daylight.
No one was hurt, and the Poseidon made it home in one piece, but tensions are flaring like those warning shots.
Three Chinese Warships Also Spotted
Australia’s Defense Department wasted no time filing complaints in both Canberra and Beijing, making it clear: “We expect all militaries, including China’s, to operate safely and professionally.”
Meanwhile, three Chinese warships have also been spotted cruising the Coral Sea near Australia’s northeast.
Defense identified the visitors as the frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and supply ship Weishanhu—all sticking to international waters but still under close watch.
