A Chinese fighter jet has dropped flares 300 metres in front of an Australian Navy helicopter operating in international waters, an act that officials have strongly condemned.
The incident occurred in the Yellow Sea off the coast of South Korea.
The Seahawk helicopter, believed to be carrying six crew members, was intercepted by a J10 Air Force jet. Australia’s Defence and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reported the pilot was forced to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the flares.
Speaking to 9News, a defence source praised the quick reflexes of the Australian pilot, crediting his actions with averting a potential disaster. No one on board was injured.
Marles labelled China’s actions as “unacceptable” and has formally requested an explanation from Beijing. "We have expressed our concerns to the Chinese government formally in relation to this incident," he said.
“When you consider the speed at which fighter planes and helicopters move, the reaction time is measured in a couple of seconds, and the consequences of the flare actually making contact could have been deeply significant, potentially putting lives at risk."
This is not the first major incident between Australian and Chinese forces in international waters. In November, Australian navy divers were injured after a Chinese warship emitted sonar pulses during an operation.
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