MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed concern over what it called the “unsafe manoeuvre and deployment of flares at close proximity” by a China’s People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft against an Australian Air Force aircraft during a recent maritime patrol in the South China Sea (SCS).
“All countries are expected to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in and above international sea lines of communication, such as the South China Sea, and to avoid interference in legitimate activities conducted in international waters and airspace,” the DFA said in a statement.
The Australian government earlier also called out the Chinese government after the said incident, calling the PLA-AF aircraft’s action “unsafe and unprofessional.”
In a statement from the Australian Defense Ministry, it stated that 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.
“The PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A aircraft. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” the Australian Defense Ministry said.
No injuries were sustained by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel nor was damage caused to the RAAF P-8A. The safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority, the ministry added.
Australia reminded all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.
“For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace,” the Australian Defense Ministry reiterated.
