Australian, Chinese officials meet in Beijing after close-range mid-air incident involving P-8A Poseidon

Australian military officials have reportedly raised concerns with their Chinese counterparts about a mid-air incident over the South China Sea, during senior official talks in Beijing.

A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares above and in front of an Australian P-8A Poseidon on Tuesday last week, coming within 30m.

While no Australian Defence Force personnel were injured and the plane was not damaged, Defence Minister Richard Marles characterised it as an “unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre”.

Australia conveyed its concerns to China over the incident through representations in Canberra and Beijing last week.

On Monday, senior officials from both countries met in Beijing for the Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue - the first since 2019.

Heading up the Australian delegation was Defence Force Vice Chief, Air Marshal Robert Chipman and Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy and Industry Group, Hugh Jeffrey.

The Australian Defence Department’s statement after the talks hinted at the mid-air incident being discussed.

“Australia reiterated the importance of all countries in the region operating in a safe and professional manner at all times to avoid the risk of miscalculation or escalation,” the Australian Defence Department said.

“Both countries exchanged views on bilateral, global and regional security issues, as well as military transparency and communication.”

Australia affirmed the importance of “all countries acting in a manner that respects sovereignty and upholds peace, security and stability”.

China has so far publicly rejected Australia’s concerns, saying the RAAF plane had jeopardised its national security with a “deliberate intrusion” into its airspace.

Beijing accused Australia of deliberately provoking it with a maritime patrol in the disputed South China Sea and accused it of “spreading false narratives”.

Australia, and allies like the US and regional partners, routinely conduct freedom of navigation exercises through the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

The South China Sea contains some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

China claims large swathes of the South China Sea but there are competing claims from some South East Asian nations including the Philippines and Vietnam.

Australia underscored the importance of adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Australian Defence Department said.

General Xu Qiling, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department, led China’s delegation.

The two countries had an “in-depth” exchange of views on bilateral and military relations, regional security and other issues of common concern, China’s defence ministry said in a statement released on Monday.

Both sides agreed to continue to strengthen strategic communication in defence, properly handle conflicts and differences, and carry out exchanges and cooperation, the statement said.

It’s not the first time an Australian plane has been targeted with flares.

A Seahawk helicopter had to take evasive action when a Chinese jet dropped flares in front of it in May 2024.

with Reuters