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The Australian government has protested an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” involving a Chinese military helicopter and Australian Defence Force helicopter in the international waters of the Yellow Sea.
The Australian government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese government after the altercation involving an MH-60R helicopter from Anzac Class frigate HMAS Toowoomba and a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) helicopter.
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An ADF helicopter was launched from HMAS Toowoomba and was intercepted by a PLAN helicopter, according to a statement from Defence.
“The PLAN helicopter matched the ADF helicopter’s altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance. The PLAN helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter, which required evasive action to maintain safe flight,” it said.
“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.”
The incident occurred on 4 March this year, as HMAS Toowoomba was 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.
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