Australian officials have accused a Chinese military jet of releasing flares in close proximity to an Australian Navy helicopter on a UN mission in international waters. The incident, which occurred on May 4th in the Yellow Sea near South Korea, has been condemned as “unsafe” and “unacceptable” by the Australian government.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, deployed from the destroyer HMAS Hobart, was conducting a routine flight as part of Operation Argos, enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea. According to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, the helicopter was intercepted by a Chinese J-10 fighter jet.
The situation escalated when the Chinese jet released flares approximately 300 meters in front and 60 meters above the Australian helicopter. The Australian pilot was forced to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the flares. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the helicopter continued its mission.
Marles emphasized the seriousness of the incident and demanded an explanation from the Chinese government. He also stressed the expectation of professional and safe interactions between the two militaries.
This incident raises concerns about a continued pattern of aggressive behavior from the Chinese military towards Australian forces. Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie pointed to a similar event last year where Australian divers were injured by sonar pulses from a Chinese navy ship.
These repeated incidents raise concerns about escalating tensions in the region and potential violations of international law.
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