Australian Foreign Affairs Department releases or major international news outlets

Chinese Warplane Fires at Australian Helicopter, Canberra Labels Incident 'Unsafe'

May 6, 2024, 09:30 AM

A Chinese warplane fired flares near an Australian Navy helicopter conducting routine operations in international waters, prompting the pilot to take evasive action. This incident has been condemned by the Australian Defence Minister as 'unsafe and unprofessional'. Australia has formally expressed concerns to Beijing about the encounter, emphasizing the need for safety and professionalism especially during a period when Canberra is attempting to ease tensions with Beijing.