A Chinese fighter jet intercepted an Australian surveillance plane last month, prompting a “dangerous maneuver” that endangered the safety of its crew, the Department of Defense has revealed.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon was conducting routine surveillance in the international airspace over the South China Sea when the incident occurred.
A defense statement said the federal government had expressed concern about the interception with the Chinese government.
A P-8 Poseidon aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force was intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet, according to the Department of Defense. (Department of Defense)
“Defense reports that on May 26, 2022, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet intercepted a RAAF P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft during a routine maritime surveillance activity in the international airspace in the sea region of South China, “a Defense statement said.
“The interception led to a dangerous maneuver that posed a threat to the safety of the P-8 aircraft and its crew.
“The Australian government has expressed concern about the incident with the Chinese government.
“For decades, Defense has been conducting maritime surveillance activities in the region and doing so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.”
A Chinese J-16 fighter jet. (Ministry of Defense of China)
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