Australian Navy Chopper Dodges Chinese Flares in High Seas Standoff
May 7, 2024A Chinese J-10 fighter jet released flares near an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea, leading to a diplomatic protest from Australia.
Defense Minister Richard Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both criticized the maneuver as 'unsafe' and 'unprofessional', demanding a response from Beijing.
The Australian helicopter, part of a mission to enforce UN sanctions against North Korea, managed to evade the flares without any casualties.
The encounter represents an escalation in military tensions, following a similar incident between Australia and China last November.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Australia later this year, despite recent military confrontations and broader regional disputes.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • May 6, 2024
Canberra accuses Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares dangerously close to Australian helicopter