A diplomatic row is heating up between China and Australia as the 2 international locations level the finger at one another over a “dangerous” and “harmful” navy maneuver.
Canberra condemned and made “applicable diplomatic representations” to Beijing after a Chinese language jet dropped flares in entrance of Australian Seahawk helicopters within the Yellow Sea on Saturday.
However China hit again, accusing the Australian helicopter of “provocation” and claiming it “intentionally approached Chinese language airspace”, which Canberra denied.
China’s international ministry stated on Tuesday that the aircraft had taken “mandatory” steps and acted “professionally and safely” in the course of the encounter.
International Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated Beijing had lodged “critical protests” with Canberra.
“The best way the state of affairs was dealt with was in accordance with our legal guidelines and rules, it was skilled and it was protected,” he stated.
“China has lodged critical protests with the Australian aspect in opposition to its dangerous strikes. We name on Australia to instantly cease provocations and hype to keep away from misunderstanding and miscalculation.
A Chinese language jet dropped flares about 60 meters above and 300 meters in entrance of the helicopter, working the destroyer HMAS Hobart whereas imposing sanctions in opposition to North Korea.
On Tuesday, Anthony Albanese vowed to protest Chinese language Premier Li Qiang’s “unprofessional and unacceptable” conduct when he visits Australia subsequent month.
“Australian Protection Power personnel had been doing their job,” the Prime Minister stated.
“That is a part of Australia being good international residents and Australian Protection Power personnel should not be in danger after they try this.”
Opposition Chief Peter Dutton referred to as on Mr Albanes to go additional and “decide up the telephone and talk Australia’s ‘disgust and dismay’ on to Chinese language President Xi Jinping.”
“My concern is {that a} member or members of the Australian Protection Power will lose their life sooner or later due to an error in judgment on the a part of one of many fighter pilots or one of many naval personnel on the Chinese language aspect,” Dutton stated.
“They’ve put Australian lives in danger and that’s fully unacceptable.”
