Australia has accused a Chinese fighter jet of carrying out an unsafe maneuver with an Australian patrol aircraft in the South China Sea, while Beijing has issued a protest statement.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said on February 13 that a Royal Australian Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter jet while conducting a routine surveillance patrol in international waters in the South China Sea on February 11, according to Reuters.
Australian P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/AP
"It's an action that we've said is unsafe. We've raised our concerns with the Chinese authorities yesterday and today in Canberra and Beijing," Mr Marles said on television.
In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the Australian aircraft of "deliberately entering its airspace and endangering national security." Beijing said it had taken appropriate, professional and restrained measures to expel the aircraft and lodged stern representations with Australia.
China's Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang operates in northeastern Australia on February 11.
PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE/AFP
There have been incidents between Australian and Chinese military aircraft in the South China Sea in the past.
Also on February 13, the Australian Department of Defense announced that a group of Chinese naval vessels were operating in the waters north of Australia. Accordingly, the group of ships, including an escort ship, a cruiser, and a supply ship, entered the Australian maritime access zone, in which the escort ship Hoang Duong moved through the waters north of Australia.
The Australian Air Force and Navy tracked the frigate as it transited the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea and then remained in Australia's exclusive economic zone.
"I think the Australians want to know that we've been keeping a close eye on what this task force is doing. But from an international law perspective, we'll make sure our handling is professional and safe," Minister Marles said.
US sends warships through Taiwan Strait, Chinese military reacts
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/uc-va-trung-quoc-chi-trich-nhau-ve-vu-ban-phao-sang-tai-bien-dong-185250213181631956.htm
Comment (0)