Australia Monitors Chinese Navy Activity Amid Allegations of Unsafe Maneuvers

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Australia's Defence Department has reported that it is closely monitoring three Chinese naval vessels in the Coral Sea, following an alleged unsafe maneuver by a Chinese fighter jet near an Australian aircraft. The incident occurred on February 11, when an Australian P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, on a routine operation in the South China Sea, encountered a PLA-AF J-16 fighter. According to the department, the J-16 released flares in proximity to the P-8A, posing a risk to both the aircraft and its crew. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that had the flares hit the Australian plane, they could have caused significant damage.

In addition to the flare incident, the Australian Defence Department identified the Chinese task group, which includes the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, a Renhai-class cruiser, and a Fuchi-class replenishment vessel. Marles clarified that the monitoring of these vessels and the flare incident are not directly connected, describing the timing of the announcements as coincidental. He reiterated Australia’s commitment to operating within international laws regarding freedom of navigation and has ordered an increase in naval and air force presence in response.

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