Chinese J-16 fighter jet fires heat traps at Australian aircraft

China's Shenyang J-16 multi-role fighter fired heat traps at a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Here's What We Know

The incident occurred in the South China Sea during a patrol. The Australian aircraft was not damaged and the crew was not injured. Australia has already expressed concern to China about the "dangerous and unprofessional" actions of the Chinese fighter jet.

China said that the Australian aircraft "deliberately intruded" into its airspace, and that the J-16 acted in a "legitimate, lawful and restrained" manner.

According to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, the incident occurred on 11 February during a RAAF surveillance mission in international waters of the South China Sea. The Chinese fighter jet released heat traps at a distance of about 30 metres from the P-8A Poseidon.

This is yet another case of deteriorating relations between the countries in a region where China is laying claim to international waters and territories of neighbouring states. In May last year, Australia already accused the Chinese military of dropping flares near an Australian Navy helicopter that was carrying out a UN mission in the Yellow Sea.

Source: Reuters