A Chinese aircraft recently released flares dangerously close to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plane in the South China Sea, according to Australian government reports.

The Department of Defence has voiced its concerns to Chinese authorities after a tense encounter between a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLA-AF) jet and an RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane. The incident took place yesterday.

The Defence Department revealed in a statement that the PLA-AF aircraft deployed flares in near proximity to the Australian aircraft, which they described as “unsafe.”

The Australian government emphasized the importance of caution and safety for all nations, including China, during military operations.

“For decades, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has conducted maritime surveillance in the region in compliance with international law, ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace,” the statement continued.

The statement also reiterated that “all maritime claims must align with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

It follows a similar incident earlier this year when another Chinese aircraft dropped flares within 30 metres of an Australian military plane, also in the South China Sea.