China hits back after PM slams 'unacceptable' navy helicopter intercept

China’s foreign ministry says Australia is to blame for an “unsafe” interception involving two military aircraft off the Korean peninsula.

A Chinese military jet dropped flares into the path of the Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter on the weekend while the Royal Australian Navy aircraft was on patrol in international air space enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the action as “completely unacceptable”.

Defence Minister Richard Marles told 9News the People’s Liberation Army J10 warplane dropped flares about 300 metres in front of the Seahawk helicopter and about 60 metres above it, forcing the helicopter pilot to take evasive action in order to not be hit.

“This was an unsafe manoeuvre which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” he said.

The Seahawk normally operates with a crew of four to six. No one was injured during the interception.

But the Chinese government insisted the interception was safe and said the Australian helicopter’s presence was a “provocation”.

“Under the guise of implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions, Australian warships and aircraft deliberately approached China’s airspace to cause trouble and provocation, endangering China’s maritime and air security,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular briefing.

“As a warning, the Chinese military took necessary measures at the scene. Relevant operations are legal, compliant, professional and safe.”

In a separate statement, China’s Ministry of Defence said the Australian helicopters were conducting “close reconnaissance” during China’s “normal training activities” and called its actions warning them to leave “legitimate.”

It also accused Australia of “spreading false narratives”.