The Australian Defence Department confirmed that a Chinese fighter jet released flares dangerously close to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft during a surveillance patrol over the South China Sea on October 19, 2025. According to Australia’s Defence Ministry, the encounter was “unsafe and unprofessional,” and a formal diplomatic protest was lodged with Beijing.
China Accuses Australia of Airspace Violation
In response, China’s Defence Ministry claimed the Australian aircraft had “illegally entered” airspace near the Paracel Islands, part of the ongoing South China Sea dispute. Chinese officials said the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) took necessary “counter-measures” to protect national sovereignty.
Australia Asserts Freedom of Navigation Rights
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that the aircraft was flying over international waters, asserting the country’s right to freedom of navigation and overflight under UNCLOS. Sources from Reuters and ABC News Australia report that no damage or injuries occurred, though the incident increased regional tensions.
Implications in the South China Sea Dispute
According to The Guardian, analysts say that such military confrontations may increase chances of miscalculation in the South China Sea dispute, whereby overlapping claims do exist between China and neighbouring nations. The incident in the South China Sea is another burden to already tense Australia-China relationships and it is necessary to exercise caution and stick to the international aviation safety standards.
