1. On October 21st, 2025, an Australian patrol plane conducting surveillance in the South China Sea had two close encounters with a Chinese fighter jet.
2. The Chinese jet released flares on both occasions, which were deemed as unsafe and unprofessional by Australia's defense ministry.
3. Despite China's claim of intrusion into its airspace, Australian personnel aboard the patrol aircraft were unharmed and no injuries were reported. Australia has vowed to remain vigilant. This is not the first such incident between both countries, with a similar event occurring in February 2025.