China says its military took steps to alert Aussie jet in Yellow Sea incident

Canberra says its defence personnel were in international airspace and on an operation

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SYDNEY - China said on May 7 that its military took steps to warn and alert an Australian aircraft after Canberra blamed a Chinese fighter jet for endangering one of its military helicopters during an "unsafe" confrontation over the Yellow Sea.

The incident could create a new rift between the nations trying to rebuild ties following a 2020 low, when Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19 and Beijing responded with trade barriers.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Chinese air force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of an Australian MH60R Seahawk helicopter on a routine flight on May 4. No one was hurt in the incident, which happened during an operation to enforce sanctions against North Korea.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was unacceptable for Australian defence personnel to be put at risk in international airspace.

On May 7, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the Australian aircraft deliberately flew within close range of China's airspace in a "provocative move" that endangered maritime air security.

"The Australian military aircraft flew near China's airspace in a threatening way," Mr Lin said at a regular news briefing.