China Criticizes Australia Over South China Sea Air Encounter

Beijing has strongly criticized Australia following an encounter between an Australian surveillance plane and a Chinese aircraft over the South China Sea. The Australian Defence Minister, Richard Marles, stated that a Chinese aircraft had released flares dangerously close to an Australian surveillance plane, describing the manoeuvre as "unsafe and unprofessional" and posing a risk to the aircraft and its personnel. However, China has countered these accusations, claiming that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) surveillance aircraft had "illegally" entered Chinese airspace over the Paracel Islands without permission.

Chinese Senior Colonel Li Jianjian issued a statement asserting that "Australia's actions seriously infringe upon China's sovereignty and are highly likely to lead to maritime and air incidents." Beijing urged Australia to "immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions." This statement comes despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that found no legal basis for China's extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Paracel Islands, controlled by China, are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

Defence Minister Marles reiterated that the Australian aircraft was conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol in international airspace above international waters. He emphasized that the crew was adhering to international law at all times and that the release of flares by the Chinese aircraft constituted unsafe and unprofessional conduct. Marles acknowledged that while most military interactions in the region are safe and professional, Australia has established procedures for addressing occurrences that are not.

The incident occurred shortly before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with US President Donald Trump, where a critical minerals deal was signed and further backing was given to the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact. These developments are seen as having China in mind, with the critical minerals deal aiming to counter China's dominance in the rare earths market, and the AUKUS pact strengthening the defence presence of Australia and the US in the Indo-Pacific region.