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) fighter aircraft.
On 4 May 2024, HMAS Hobart 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, a Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Hobart was intercepted by a PLA-AF fighter aircraft.
The PLA-AF aircraft released flares along the flight path of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) helicopter. This was an unsafe manoeuvre which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel.
While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damaged 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 professional and safe manner. 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.
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The RAN Helicopter was undertaking duties in support of UN resolutions.
Suppose it is too much to ask that the UN also expresses its’ concerns over the CCP’s action?
Maybe we shouldn’t so readily agree to support their activities if we are not going to get their support when undertaking them.
I suppose if you could prove that China was trying to disrupt a UN operation you might have a case. I doubt it was that complex.
Given the Hobart is undertaking UN duties what else was the CCP trying to do?
Did the pilot know the helicopter was part of a UN mission? I have no idea.
Well given the CCP supported the introduction of the sanctions and are made fully aware of UN activities in the area then logic says the pilot should be well aware that the helicopter was part of the UN activities.
Maybe the pilot went rogue?
Hopefully the government will release the cockpit video so we can all get a better idea of what actually happened.
of course the pilot knew. China is on the UN security council
Perhaps, but I doubt that the pilot would know even what the UN is let alone who sits on the Security Council.
Another Day, Another “Unprofessional and Unsafe “ manoeuvre by the PLA Navy / Airforce (delete which ever is not applicable) and another predictable response from Marles and Albanese. Firing Flares at our Seahawks, Charffing and Lasering our P8 s Is it any wonder that Recruiting And Retentions in our Armed (or should that be UNarmed ) Forces is at an all time low. Who wants to serve in a Military where the Government won’t even stand up for its Personel when they’re threatened. Nobody expects or wants to go to war but FFS show some backbone…..