China Defends Actions After Australian Aircraft Encounter in South China Sea

A J-16 multi-role fighter jet from an aviation brigade within the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command was observed during a flight training exercise on October 23, 2024.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to a claim by the Australian defense ministry regarding an interaction between an Australian air force patrol aircraft and a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea. The spokesperson stated that the Australian military aircraft had entered China's territorial airspace near Xisha Qundao without permission, violating China's sovereignty and posing a threat to national security. China's actions to expel the aircraft were deemed legitimate, professional, and restrained.

Military analysts commented that the PLA Air Force's actions were professional and measured. They emphasized that any attempts to create issues in the South China Sea would be met with specific countermeasures, and such efforts would not be successful.

The Australian statement described an "unsafe and unprofessional interaction" on Tuesday involving a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force J-16 fighter aircraft. The statement alleged that the PLA Air Force aircraft released flares near the RAAF P-8A, posing a risk to the aircraft and personnel. The statement also noted that no injuries or damage occurred.

Experts suggest that Australia's focus on the "unsafe" interaction reflects a lack of strategic vision regarding regional security. They believe Australia is pursuing its own objectives while aligning with the US strategy of containing China. Actions that infringe on China's airspace, threaten national security, and shift blame are considered irresponsible and damaging to bilateral relations.

Chinese military experts highlighted that the Australian aircraft's intrusion into China's airspace was a violation of sovereignty and security, justifying the PLA's expulsion. They noted that any nation would respond to foreign military aircraft entering its airspace with appropriate measures. Some analysts accused certain countries of using the tactic of falsely accusing China to divert attention from their own actions, such as deploying warships and aircraft in the South China Sea, promoting militarization, and undermining regional peace.

It was pointed out that Australia's approach aims to discredit the PLA and pressure it into inaction during reconnaissance operations. This is seen as unrealistic. Australia's actions, under the guise of "freedom of navigation and overflight," are believed to serve multiple purposes, including challenging China's territorial claims, gathering military intelligence, coordinating joint patrols with other nations, and testing China's military readiness.