Australia criticizes China after fighter jet fired missiles into helicopter’s path

Australia’s prime minister said on Tuesday the country had protested to Beijing through multiple channels after a Chinese fighter jet endangered an Australian Navy helicopter in international waters.

The incident occurred on Saturday while the Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart was enforcing UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the international waters of the Yellow Sea, officials said on Monday.

No injuries or damage were reported.

Anthony Albanese said the Australian public was waiting for an explanation from China.

“We have just made it clear to China that this is unprofessional and unacceptable,” he said, as quoted by the Nine Network.

“We have been very clear through all our channels about all the measures at our disposal, including publicly here,” he said.

Albanese noted that Beijing has not yet made any public comments about the incident.

“It is important that we speak out when events like this happen. It is important that we make our position clear, which has been done diplomatically, government to government and defense to defense. And all these ways have We have made this matter public so that we can say very clearly and unequivocally that this behavior is unacceptable,” the Australian Prime Minister said.

On Monday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said a Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jet fired missiles into the flight path of an Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter.

The minister said the missiles were 300 meters in front of the helicopter and 60 meters above it, and the helicopter pilot had to “take evasive action to avoid being hit by these missiles.”

“The consequences of a missile hit would be significant,” Marles said.

“We will not be deterred from engaging in legitimate activities and activities aimed at ensuring compliance with UN sanctions against North Korea,” the minister added.

It was the worst clash between the two countries’ forces since Australia accused the Chinese destroyer CNS Ningbo of injuring Australian navy divers with sonar beams in Japanese waters in November.

Australia said China ignored a security warning to stay away from the Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba.

China says the collision occurred outside Japan’s territorial waters and the Chinese warship did not cause any damage.

Albanese said the issue would be raised with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang during his visit to Australia next month.

In 2020, China suspended ministerial talks with the previous Australian government, which was defeated in the 2022 election.

“One of the things that broke down over time was any dialogue. Dialogue is important. It’s always, always important to have lines of communication,” Albanese told reporters.

During a visit to China in early November, Albanese invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Australia for the first time in a decade as bilateral relations have improved in recent years and emerged from an all-time low.

Albanese has now said Xi will not visit Australia this year, but said he hopes to have “some direct contact” with the Chinese leader when they both attend the G20 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits later this year. .