China has accused Australia of “covering up” an airspace violation, countering Australia’s earlier claims that Chinese military aircraft engaged in “unsafe” conduct during an encounter over the South China Sea.
Australian aircraft encounters Chinese fighter in incident
On October 20, 2025, the Australian government released a statement expressing its concerns over what it called an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction with a People’s Liberation Army–Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft.
The Australian government said that a Chinese Su-35 fighter jet interacted unsafely with an Australian P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft during a routine surveillance mission over the South China Sea on October 19, 2025.
“The PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A aircraft. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and its personnel,” Australia Defence said in a statement.
No Australian Defence Force personnel were injured and the RAAF P-8A did not sustain any damages.
“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner,” Australia said.
China dismisses Australian claims as ‘cover up’
However, two days after Australia’s allegations, China responded with a statement dismissing Canberra’s claims as a “fallacy” and “utterly unacceptable.”
“Australia has infringed upon and provoked China, yet slandered China’s defense actions as ‘unsafe’ and ‘unprofessional’. Such fallacies are utterly unacceptable anywhere,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND).
“The Australian statement is a blatant distortion of facts. It falsely accused China, attempting to cover up the vile act of its military aircraft illegally intruding into China’s airspace. We are strongly dissatisfied with this and have lodged stern representations with the Australian side,” Jiang continued.
Jiang called on Australia to immediately stop what China characterized as infringement, provocation and incitement, demanding that Canberra strictly control its frontline maritime and aerial forces to prevent damage to bilateral relations between the two countries and their militaries.
“The Chinese military will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability,” Jiang stressed.
Meanwhile, Australia said that its Defense Force has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region for decades, and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.
