‘Unsafe’: China’s flare stunt on ADF

A Chinese fighter aircraft has dropped flares in front of an Australian navy helicopter in international waters, in a move deemed an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction”.

HMAS Hobart was in the Yellow Sea on Saturday as part of Operation Argos — Australia’s contribution to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

It was during these activities that the MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Hobart but was then intercepted by China’s PLA-AF fighter aircraft.

Flares were released along the flight path of the Australian Defence Force helicopter, the federal government said.

“This was an unsafe manoeuvre, which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” the ADF said in a statement on Monday.

“While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a professional and safe manner.”