Australia accuses China of ‘unsafe’ behaviour after fighter jet releases flares in a helicopter’s path
- The incident occurred as an Australian destroyer was enforcing UN against North Korea in international waters in the Yellow Sea, the Defence Department said
- A Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jet released flares in the flight path of an Australian navy Seahawk, the Defence Ministry said. Beijing has not commented yet
Australia has protested to Beijing that a Chinese fighter jet endangered an Australian navy helicopter with flares in international waters, officials said on Monday.
The incident occurred on Saturday as the Australian air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart was enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in international waters in the Yellow Sea, the Defence Department said in a statement.
A Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jet released flares in the flight path of an Australian navy Seahawk deployed from the Hobart 300 metres (986 feet) in front of the helicopter and 60 metres (197 feet) above, Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
“This was an incident which was both unsafe and unprofessional,” Marles told Nine News television.
“We will not be deterred from engaging in lawful activities and activities which are there to enforce UN sanctions in respect of North Korea,” Marles added.
