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5 June 2022
Defence advises that on 26 May 2022, a RAAF P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft was intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft during a routine maritime surveillance activity in international airspace in the South China Sea region.
The intercept resulted in a dangerous manoeuvre which posed a safety threat to the P-8 aircraft and its crew.
The Australian Government has raised its concerns about the incident with the Chinese Government.
Defence has for decades undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.
Defence will not be commenting further on this matter.