Urgent: Chinese Fighter Jet’s Unsafe Encounter With Australia

UPDATE: An urgent incident unfolded over the South China Sea on Sunday, October 22, 2023, as a Chinese People’s Liberation Army–Air Force (PLA-AF) fighter jet engaged in an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The Australian defense ministry reported that the RAAF aircraft was conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol when it encountered a PLA-AF Su-35 fighter jet. The situation escalated as the Chinese aircraft released flares in close proximity to the Australian plane, posing significant risks to the aircraft and its crew.

In a statement released Monday, October 23, 2023, the Australian defense ministry emphasized the gravity of the incident. “This was an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver that posed a risk to the aircraft and its personnel,” they stated. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, and the P-8A sustained no damage.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, as China aggressively asserts its claims over the contested South China Sea. Australia’s defense ministry reiterated its commitment to the safety of its personnel, stating, “The safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority.”

Australia has called for all nations, including China, to engage their military forces in a safe and professional manner to prevent such dangerous encounters in the future.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of confrontations in the South China Sea, where territorial claims are hotly disputed and military presences from various countries often lead to dangerous close calls.

As this story develops, observers will be closely monitoring how both nations respond to this incident and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of military operations in this critical region.

Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking news story.