The Australian Government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People’s Liberation Army–Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft.

On 19 October 2025, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducting a maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea experienced an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a PLA-AF Su-35 fighter aircraft. 

The PLA-AF aircraft released flares in close proximity to the RAAF P-8A aircraft. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and its personnel. 

No injuries were sustained by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel nor was damage caused to the RAAF P-8A. The safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority. 

Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.

For decades, the ADF has 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.

All maritime claims must be consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.