Chinese J-16 Fighter Releases Flares Near Australia's P-8 Surveillance Aircraft

The Australian government has raised concerns with China following an aerial encounter between a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon and a Chinese People's Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) J-16 fighter in the South China Sea on February 11.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the RAAF aircraft was on a routine maritime surveillance patrol when the PLA-AF fighter released flares in close proximity. The J-16 deployed flares within 30 meters of the P-8A Poseidon. Australia described the maneuver as "unsafe and unprofessional," citing the potential risk to the aircraft and its crew.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed that no injuries occurred, and the P-8A Poseidon did not sustain damage. However, officials emphasized the importance of maintaining safety in international airspace and urged all nations, including China, to operate professionally.

Chinese government response:

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday that the Australian aircraft intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission.

China's measures to expel the aircraft were legitimate and exercised with professional restraint, he added.

China has lodged solemn representations to Australia, demanding that Australia stop its infringement and provocations and stop undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said.