Australia has raised formal concerns with China after an Australian Navy helicopter had to take evasive action during what Defence described as an unsafe encounter with a Chinese military aircraft over the Yellow Sea.
Defence said the incident happened on March 4, when HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos, Australia’s role in the multinational effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
An MH-60R Seahawk launched from the frigate during routine activities. It was then intercepted by a People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter.
The Chinese helicopter flew at the same altitude as the Australian aircraft and moved to an unsafe distance. It then moved slightly ahead, increased speed and rolled towards it.
Also read: US submarine sinks Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka as conflict widens.
The ADF said the Seahawk crew had to take evasive action to keep the flight safe. Defence said there were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The department said the Chinese manoeuvre put the helicopter and its crew at risk. It also said HMAS Toowoomba and its aircraft were operating in line with international law.
Defence said Australia had raised its concerns with the Chinese government and expects all militaries including China’s, to act in a safe and professional way.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said he backed the crew’s response and again described the incident as unsafe and unprofessional.
He said Australia would keep carrying out activities in the region in line with international law. Canberra had lodged its complaint with Beijing on Friday.
China had not given a detailed public account by Friday afternoon and when asked about the Australian version of events, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she was not familiar with the matter and referred questions to the relevant authorities.
The latest confrontation adds to a series of tense military encounters between Canberra and Beijing.
In October 2025, Australia protested after a Chinese fighter released flares near an Australian P-8A Poseidon in the South China Sea.
In May 2024, Canberra also accused a Chinese jet of dropping flares close to an Australian Seahawk helicopter over the Yellow Sea.
