Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected Beijing’s claim that an Australian military helicopter was spying after a Chinese jet detonated flares in front of it in an incident that has reignited tensions between the two countries.
A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in front of an Australian Seahawk helicopter operating off air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart in the Yellow Sea on Saturday night, while it was enforcing sanctions against North Korea.
“I stand by what we have said when it comes to the incident that occurred in North Asia in recent days,” Mr Albanese said on Thursday.
“Australian Defence Force personnel were engaged in international waters in international skies and engaged in international work consistent with the United Nations sanctions being imposed on North Korea.”
“It was legitimate, peaceful activity, which should be respected.
“This action by China was unprofessional and unacceptable. We’ve made that very, very clear going forward.”
On Tuesday, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Australia of being “provocative” but in a later statement, the Ministry of Defence Beijing accused Australia of spying on naval exercises in the Yellow Sea.
Describing China’s accusations as “reckless”, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the prime minister should immediately phone his Chinese counterpart and accused him of being too soft over the incident.
“We have to stand up for the men and women of this strike force and the Prime Minister should be on the phone today,” Mr Dutton told 2GB.
“This is completely unacceptable and we won’t tolerate it – you can’t treat our treat our soldiers, sailors and airmen like this.”