Australian PM Blasts Chinese Jet for Firing Flares at Naval Helicopter
SEOUL — In a daring move, Australia has accused a Chinese fighter jet of dangerously firing flares into the path of a naval helicopter over the international waters of the Yellow Sea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not hold back, labeling the action as “completely unacceptable.”
Details of the Incident
The Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter was on patrol enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea when the incident occurred, according to the Defense Ministry in Canberra. The Defense Ministry emphasized that the move put the lives of the helicopter crew in grave danger.
Defense Minister Richard Marles condemned the unsafe maneuver, stating, “This was an unsafe maneuver which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel.”
Marles revealed that the Chinese jet dropped flares dangerously close to the Seahawk helicopter, causing concern for potential damage or injuries. Flares have the potential to down a helicopter if they strike and damage its rotor blades or get sucked into its engines.
International Tensions
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations in international waters involving China’s military and other nations. It comes at a time when Canberra and Beijing are attempting to mend strained relations following a turbulent period of trade disputes.
China has defended its military actions and refuted Australia’s claims of unsafe interception. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Australian warships and aircraft of provocation, stating that China’s actions were legal, compliant, professional, and safe.
Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Albanese labeled the Chinese actions as “completely unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea. He assured that appropriate diplomatic representations have been made with Beijing to address the incident.
The incident mirrors a previous encounter between a Chinese fighter jet and a Canadian military helicopter, where flares were also fired in a dangerous manner. Major Rob Millen of the Royal Canadian Navy described the incident as unsafe and unprofessional.
Concerns Over Future Incidents
Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton urged Albanese to express concerns directly to Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding the incident and other provocative encounters. Dutton warned of potential miscalculations that could lead to tragic consequences for military personnel.
Previous contentious incidents between Australia and China have included dangerous encounters at sea, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Despite denials from China, these incidents raise concerns about the safety of military operations in international waters and the need for diplomatic resolutions to prevent further escalations.
