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

On 4 March 2026, HMAS Toowoomba was in international waters in the Yellow Sea undertaking routine activities as part of Operation Argos, Australia’s contribution to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. 

During these activities, an Australian Defence Force (ADF) MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Toowoomba was intercepted by a PLA-N helicopter. 

The PLA-N helicopter matched the ADF helicopter’s altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance. The PLA-N helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter, which required evasive action to maintain safe flight.

This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to our aircraft and its personnel.

HMAS Toowoomba and its embarked helicopter acted in accordance with international law at all times.

While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, 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.