On May 6th, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced that Chinese J-10 fighter dropped heat traps in the Yellow Sea, putting Australian helicopters flying in international waters at risk. This incident occurred while a Seahawk helicopter from the Australian navy was monitoring UN sanctions against North Korea. The Chinese fighter dropped a heat trap in front of the helicopter, prompting evasive action from the pilot. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage in the incident, but the consequences could have been significant if the heat trap had hit the helicopter.
The recent incident has strained the relationship between Australia and China, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanding an explanation from China regarding the actions of its J-10 fighter. The prime minister called them “unsafe and unprofessional.” This marks the most serious incident between Australian and Chinese forces since a previous altercation in the Sea of Japan. Despite previous efforts to improve bilateral relations, this incident has caused tension between the two countries.
The J-10 fighter is a highly advanced aircraft developed since 1988 and has seen upgrades over time, with its latest variant being launched in 2018. Equipped with advanced capabilities and weaponry, it poses a significant threat in military encounters like this one in the Yellow Sea.
This incident raises concerns about possible escalation of tensions between Australia and China, impacting diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes and maintain peace in the region. The international community is closely watching developments between these two countries, hoping for a peaceful resolution to these conflicts.