Beijing denies accusations that Chinese warship turned on sonar near Australian diver

Bắc Kinh bác cáo buộc tàu chiến Trung Quốc bật sonar gần thợ lặn Australia - 1 — Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Toowoomba (Photo: AP).

Over the weekend, Canberra accused Beijing of “unsafe and unprofessional” behaviour at sea that affected the HMAS Toowoomba, an Australian long-range destroyer supporting UN sanctions enforcement operations in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Divers were removing fishing nets from the propellers of the HMAS Toowoomba when a Chinese destroyer approached, according to Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Minister Marles said the sonar system on the Chinese ship "likely" injured a number of Australian military personnel.

On November 20, Beijing warned Canberra not to make "reckless and irresponsible accusations against China".

"We urge the Australian side to respect the truth and stop making reckless and irresponsible accusations against China," said Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian, adding that China "does not engage in any activities that may affect Australian divers."

Earlier the same day, Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning also affirmed that "the Chinese military has strict discipline and always conducts professional activities in accordance with international law and international practices."

The incident comes as China and Australia are trying to mend their trade relationship after years of estrangement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a groundbreaking trip to Beijing earlier this month and described the development as "very positive".

However, the two sides remain tense over security issues as Australia moves closer to the US.

The Medical Advisory Committee on Diving - an independent London-based organisation - has warned that sonar can cause dizziness, hearing loss and damage to divers' internal organs.

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