Australia accused China of endangering a P-8A patrol aircraft after a Chinese Su-35 launched flares nearby.

Australia has accused China of a dangerous incident in which a Chinese Su-35 aircraft launched flares near an Australian P-8A patrol aircraft during a surveillance mission over the South China Sea. The Australian Department of Defence expressed serious concerns about Beijing's actions, describing them as unsafe and unprofessional.

Fortunately, the Australian aircraft was not damaged, and the crew remained unharmed. China responded by accusing Australia of illegally entering its airspace and claiming that its actions were legitimate. The incident occurs ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the US, where he will discuss the Aukus defense partnership. This is the third similar incident in less than a year, highlighting the growing tensions between the two countries.