“On 11 February 2025, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea experienced an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a PLA-AF J-16 fighter aircraft,” Defence said in a statement.
“Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, just as we expect others to respect Australia’s right to do the same,” the ADF said.
Three warships from Beijing have been spotted lurking off the coast of Australia - just two days after a Chinese warplane dropped flares on a Royal Australian Air Force plane.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) say they are currently monitoring three Chinese warships operating near the north-east of Australia.
“Defence will continue to monitor the activities of the task group in Australia’s maritime approaches with a combination of capabilities, including air and maritime assets.”.
