China-Australia Defense Dialogue Addresses Tensions and Seeks to Improve Communication

A J-16 multi-role fighter jet, part of an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, was captured in a flight training exercise on October 23, 2024.

The 23rd China-Australia Defense Strategic Dialogue took place in Beijing on Monday. Representatives from both nations engaged in discussions regarding bilateral relations, military affairs, regional security, and other shared interests. The dialogue was co-chaired by General Xu Qiling, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department under China's Central Military Commission, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Vice Chief of the Australian Defense Force, and Hugh Jeffrey, Australian Deputy Secretary of Defense Strategy, Policy and Industry Group.

Both sides agreed to continue strengthening strategic communication within the defense sector, manage disagreements, and foster exchanges and cooperation. The dialogue occurred amidst Australia's claims of an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter between an Australian air force patrol aircraft and a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea.

According to Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, this dialogue offers Australia an opportunity to understand China's boundaries and limits. In response to Australia's claims regarding the incident on February 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the Australian military aircraft had entered China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without permission, violating China's sovereignty and endangering national security.

The Australian statement described an "unsafe and unprofessional interaction" involving a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighter aircraft. Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe stated that the PLA's actions were justified in response to the intrusion.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese mainland military expert, stated that the dialogue aimed to prevent miscalculations. He also noted Australia's ongoing coordination with the US in Asia-Pacific affairs. Song emphasized that Australia should recognize its position as an Oceanian country and avoid following the US in creating issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The China-Australia Defense Strategic Dialogue, established in 1997, is a high-level forum between the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Australian Department of Defence. The last dialogue was held in 2019.