UPDATE - Chinese military's ‘unprofessional interaction’ in South China Sea raises concern in Australia

UPDATES WITH REACTION FROM CHINA; CHANGES DECK

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia on Thursday raised concern over the Chinese military aircraft's “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction during a flight over the disputed South China Sea.

Canberra said a People’s Liberation Army J-16 fighter aircraft “released flares in close proximity” to Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft which was “conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol” over the South China Sea on Tuesday.

“This was an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” said the Australian Defense Ministry in a statement.

There were no injuries sustained by any Australian Defense Force personnel nor was any damage caused to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, it added.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner,” it said.

The Chinese military aircraft regularly fly over the South China Sea in response to the military flights by the US or its allies in the region.

While the US and its allies claim they fly in international airspace, Beijing has often claimed such flights violate its sovereignty.

- Beijing claims Australian aircraft 'intruded' into China's territorial airspace

China on Thursday pushed back claims made by Canberra.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters that the Australian military aircraft had "deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission."

Beijing identifies the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea as Xisha Qundao.

The Australian aircraft "infringed on China's sovereignty, ... endangering China's national security. China's measures to expel the aircraft were legitimate and exercised with professional restraint," he added.

Beijing has lodged "solemn representations" to Australia, demanding Canberra "stop its infringement and provocations and stop undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea," said Guo.