Australia has accused a Chinese military aircraft of releasing flares in close proximity to its patrol jet over the South China Sea.
The Australian government has raised its concern with Beijing over the unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre, the defence department said in a statement on Monday.
There was no damage to Australia's P-8A aircraft and its personnel were unharmed after Sunday's encounter.
Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner, Australia Defense Force said.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry was unaware of the incident when asked by reporters.
This is the latest in a string of encounters between the two countries' militaries in the region, where China's vast claims over islands and outcrops overlap with those of its neighbors.
Sunday's incident also occurred as Australian Prime Minister was heading to the US for a meeting with President Donald Trump, where the two leaders are expected to discuss the Aukus – a multi-billion dollar submarine deal between Australia, the US, and the UK.
Australia has previously accused China of dropping flares near an Australian plane in February. At that time, China stated that the Australian jet had intentionally intruded into its airspace and that its response was lawful and restrained.
While it has no claims to the South China Sea, Australia has aligned itself with the US and its allies, asserting that China's assertions lack a legal basis.
In May of last year, Australia accused a Chinese fighter plane of dropping flares near an Australian navy helicopter engaged in a UN Security Council mission on the Yellow Sea off the Korean coastline.
In November 2023, Canberra accused Beijing's navy of using sonar pulses in international waters off Japan, which resulted in injuries to Australian divers.
