Australia accuses China of unsafe behavior when fighter jet released flares in a helicopter’s path

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government has protested to Beijing through multiple channels that a Chinese fighter jet endangered an Australian navy helicopter with flares over international waters. Officials say the incident occurred Saturday as the Australian air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart was enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the Yellow Sea. Beijing retorted that the Australian aircraft deliberately flew close to China’s airspace in a “provocative move” and had to be warned off. No injuries or damage were reported.