Australian Navy Helicopter Encounter with Chinese Warplane Sparks International Tensions

Australia has accused a Chinese fighter jet of firing flares into the path of a naval helicopter last weekend over international waters of the Yellow Sea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the action as "completely unacceptable."

The Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter was on patrol enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea at the time of the incident. The Defense Ministry in Canberra stated that the move put the lives of the helicopter crew in danger.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that the Chinese jet's actions were dangerous and put both the aircraft and personnel at risk. According to Marles, the jet dropped flares approximately 300 meters in front of the Seahawk helicopter and about 60 meters above it during the incident.

No damage or injuries were reported from the incident involving flares. However, it is important to note that flares can pose a danger to helicopters. If they hit and damage the rotor blades or get sucked into the engines, it can result in the downing of the aircraft.

The recent incident adds to a series of encounters in international waters between China's military and other countries. This comes at a time when Canberra and Beijing are working towards improving their relationship, following a period of trade disputes and tense relations.

The MH-60 Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter and carries a crew of three, according to the Australian Navy.

Rebecca Wright/CNN

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On board an outnumbered Philippine ship facing China’s push to dominate the South China Sea, the Australian helicopter was operating from the destroyer HMAS Hobart in international waters of the Yellow Sea. This was part of Operation Argos, Canberra’s contribution to a multinational effort to enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea, as stated by the Australian Defense Ministry.

Albanese expressed his disapproval of the Chinese actions in a TV interview on Tuesday. He stated that they are operating in international waters and airspace to enforce the sanctions imposed by the United Nations on North Korea.

Albanese expressed concern for the Australian crew, stating that they should not have been in any danger while participating in that activity. He also mentioned that they have reached out to Beijing through diplomatic channels.

“We’ve just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it’s unacceptable,” he said.

China has not issued any statements about this incident at this time.

A similar incident occurred in late October in the South China Sea involving a Chinese fighter jet and a Canadian military helicopter. Flares were fired in the path of the helicopter during the encounter.

HMCS Ottawa fires its main gun towards the Hammerhead remote training target as USS Rafael Peralta and HMAS Brisbane sail in formation during a Surface Fire Exercise during a joint deployment in the South China Sea on 26 October 2023.

HMCS Ottawa participated in a Surface Fire Exercise in the South China Sea on 26 October 2023. During the exercise, the ship fired its main gun towards the Hammerhead remote training target. USS Rafael Peralta and HMAS Brisbane sailed in formation alongside HMCS Ottawa.

Photo credit: Aviator Gregory Cole/Canadian Armed Forces

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Maj. Rob Millen, air officer aboard the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa, expressed concern about the risk posed to a helicopter by flares moving into the rotor blades or engines during the October incident. He described this as both unsafe and non-standard, unprofessional.

Following the incident, China defended its actions and accused Canadian forces of engaging in a malicious and provocative act with ulterior motives.

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton has called on Albanese to reach out to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to address Canberra's worries about the recent incident, as well as numerous other encounters between Chinese and Australian or allied aircraft and ships.

Dutton expressed his concerns in an interview with Nine News, warning that a miscalculation could lead to a tragic loss of life for a member of the Australian Defence Force. This is a situation that must be prevented at all costs.

"There is concern among various countries in the region, including Australia, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, about potential errors made by individuals operating military jets or ships. These actions are seen as provocative and unnecessary, causing worry and tension."

A screengrab taken from video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard shows China’s coast guard using water cannons against Philippine vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, in a disputed area of the South China Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday, April 30.

A video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard captured China’s coast guard using water cannons against Philippine vessels near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident occurred in a disputed area and was reported by the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday, April 30.

The image was released as a handout by the Philippine Coast Guard.

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Previous tense situations between Australia and China have included a troubling incident near Japan last November. During this encounter, a Chinese warship allegedly used sonar waves to disturb Australian Navy divers who were working to remove fishing nets from the propellers of the frigate HMAS Toowoomba. This resulted in minor injuries to the divers. Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond brought up this incident during a meeting with Chinese navy Adm. Hu Zhongming at an international naval symposium in Qingdao, as reported by Australian public broadcaster ABC.

ABC reported that Hammond requested his agreement to prioritize the safety of their navy personnel and prevent a repeat of the incident.

Australia stated that in June 2022, a Chinese fighter jet deployed flares and chaff that entered one of the engines of an Australian P-8A flying in international waters in the South China Sea.

In early 2022, Australia reported that a Chinese warship used a laser to "illuminate" an Australian P-8A aircraft in waters north of Australia.

Pilots who have been targeted by laser attacks have experienced disorienting flashes, pain, spasms, spots in their vision, and even temporary blindness.

China has denied wrongdoing in all incidents, saying its forces act in accordance with international law while protecting Chinese interests.

Editor's P/S:

The escalating tensions between Australia and China, as evidenced by the recent incident in the Yellow Sea, are deeply concerning. The Australian government's condemnation of China's actions is justified, as such reckless behavior endangers the lives of military personnel. While the Australian helicopter crew fortunately avoided injury, the use of flares in close proximity to the aircraft could have had catastrophic consequences. This incident adds to a growing pattern of confrontations between China and other countries in international waters, raising questions about China's intentions and the future of regional security.

It is imperative for both Australia and China to engage in diplomatic dialogue to defuse these tensions. While Australia has a legitimate interest in enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea, it is equally important for both sides to prioritize de-escalation and establish clear protocols for interactions at sea. Miscalculations or misunderstandings could easily lead to a more serious incident with dire consequences. The international community has a vested interest in promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific region and should support efforts to foster cooperation and prevent further escalation.