Australia Protests China's 'Unsafe' Flare Incident Over South China Sea

Australia has formally protested against China following a hazardous incident where a Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares dangerously close to an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Defense Minister Richard Marles described the encounter as 'unsafe and unprofessional,' emphasizing that the flares came within 30 meters of the Australian plane, which could have resulted in serious damage. China responded by accusing the Australian aircraft of intruding into its airspace and defending its actions as legitimate. The incident exacerbates existing tensions in the region, as China's military presence continues to expand. This confrontation coincides with the approach of a Chinese naval task force near Australian waters, raising further concerns about security in the Pacific. The ongoing disputes highlight the fragile balance of military interactions between Australia and China in contested areas.