Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles says he has raised concerns with Beijing after a Chinese People Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fighter jet again released flares near a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plane during a routine patrol over the South China Sea.
The Australian government revealed the situation in an announcement on the afternoon of Oct. 20, just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The incident unfolded on Oct. 19.
“An Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting a maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea experienced an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a PLAAF Su-35 fighter aircraft,” the government statement said….
Chinese Jet Fires Flares Near Australian Plane Ahead of Trump-Albanese Meeting
