The Australian Government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction involving a People’s Liberation Army–Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft.
On 19 October 2025, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting surveillance in the South China Sea encountered a PLA-AF Su-35 fighter aircraft. The PLA-AF jet released flares in close proximity to the Australian aircraft, creating a hazardous situation that put the safety of the crew and the aircraft at risk.
No injuries were reported, and the RAAF P-8A sustained no damage. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) emphasises that the safety and wellbeing of its personnel is the highest priority.
Australia expects all nations, including China, to operate their military forces safely and professionally. The ADF has conducted maritime surveillance in the region for decades, exercising its right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace in accordance with international law.
The Australian Government has reaffirmed that all maritime claims must comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and continues to monitor the situation closely.
