A P-8A Poseidon of the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo from the Department of Defense of Australia, file photo 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday expressed concern over a Chinese fighter jet’s “unsafe maneuvers” near an Australian aircraft while the latter was patrolling in the South China Sea.

Canberra’s defense department said the incident happened on February 11 as the Australian plane was reportedly patrolling over the disputed waters, when the Chinese aircraft suddenly approached.

Canberra’s defense department said the Chinese jet “released flares in close proximity” to Australia’s aircraft.

In a statement, DFA said the Philippine Government is concerned over the unsafe maneuvers and deployment of flares at close proximity conducted by a Chinese 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.

Meanwhile, China accused the Australian plane of “violating Chinese sovereignty and endangering Chinese national security”.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea despite an international ruling stating that Beijing has no legal basis.

It said the “aircraft deliberated introduced to the airspace around China’s Xisha Islands” without its permission. Beijing’s name for Paracel Islands is Xisha Islands.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that the flares passed within 30 meters of the aircraft that typically has nine people, saying such move has “potential for significant damage”.

“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.

Australia recently issued a similar statement, saying it respects all states’ freedom of navigation and overflight, just as they “expect others to respect Australia’s right to do the same.”

The February 11 mid-air incident was not the first between China and Australia. Last May, a Chinese fighter jet was also accused of intercepting an Australian helicopter as it dropped flares across its path.

In 2023, a Chinese destroyer was said to be bombarding submerged Australian navy divers with sonar pulses in Japan waters.