Australia

Australian leader slams China for ‘unacceptable’ use of flares near military helicopter

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Australia has accused China of endangering an Australian military helicopter during what it said was an unsafe and unacceptable confrontation over the Yellow Sea. The incident happened on May 4, 2024, as Australia took part in an operation to enforce UN sanctions on North Korea. A Chinese fighter jet reportedly dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of the Australian helicopter. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on May 7 that the manoeuvre put his country’s defence personnel at risk and that his government has lodged formal complaints with Beijing. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said necessary measures had been taken to warn the Australian helicopter.

May 8, 2024