Beijing: On Monday, Beijing dismissed Australia's accusations of an "unsafe" aerial interaction over the South China Sea, asserting that an Australian military aircraft had "illegally intruded" into Chinese airspace. The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army reported that it had expelled an Australian P-8A military aircraft from China's territorial airspace over the Xisha Qundao on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, a spokesman for the Air Force of the Theater Command, Li Jianjian, stated that Australia's actions "seriously violated" China's sovereignty and posed a significant risk of triggering maritime and air incidents. Li issued a stern warning to Australia to immediately halt its "infringements and provocative acts," emphasizing that the theater command's troops remain vigilant and are committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.

The tension arose after Australia raised concerns over an interaction it deemed "unsafe" and "unprofessional" in the South China Sea. It was reported that a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet allegedly released flares near an Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft. The incident occurred during a surveillance mission conducted by a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as stated by the Australian Defense Ministry.

The ministry described the maneuver by the Chinese aircraft as "unsafe and unprofessional," noting that it posed a risk to the Australian aircraft and its personnel. Despite the tense encounter, no injuries were reported among Australian Defense Force personnel, and the RAAF P-8A aircraft sustained no damage. The Australian Defense Ministry underscored that the safety and wellbeing of its personnel remain a top priority.

Australia also reiterated its expectation that all countries, including China, conduct their military operations in a "safe and professional manner," aligning with international norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.