A U.S. Navy plane P-8 Poseidon takes off from Perth Airport on route to conduct search operations for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in southern Indian Ocean, near the coast of Western Australia, Saturday, April 5, 2014. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that he had a “direct and frank” conversation with Chinese officials regarding a recent military incident in which a Chinese jet fired flares dangerously close to an Australian Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft. The incident occurred on October 19, 2023, over the South China Sea, prompting concerns about safety and regional stability.
Speaking after the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, Albanese emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with China, despite ongoing disagreements. “We have disagreements, and friends are able to discuss issues frankly. I did that directly,” he told reporters. He highlighted that diplomatic engagement is crucial in avoiding miscalculations that could escalate tensions.
The Prime Minister did not disclose the specifics of China’s response but noted that “the message was heard very directly.” He underscored the need for accountability in international dialogue, stating, “I made the position directly clear that this was an incident of concern for Australia.”
Positive Engagement with China
During the summit, Albanese also met with Li Qiang, Premier of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), marking their seventh meeting since Albanese took office. He described their discussion as “positive,” reflecting a commitment to strengthening ties between Australia and its largest trading partner. “One in four Australian jobs depends upon trade, and China represents around 30 percent of the destination of our exports,” he noted.
Albanese characterized the relationship as “improving and stabilising” and reiterated the necessity of ongoing diplomacy for both economic and strategic security. “We must cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, but engage in our national interest—and that’s the spirit in which we entered the discussion today,” he explained.
When questioned about the impact of the flare incident on his trust in Beijing, Albanese responded, “That’s a nation-to-nation issue which we raise very directly. Anything that President Xi Jinping has said to me has occurred, and that is just a fact.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect a cautious but proactive approach as Australia navigates its complex relationship with China, balancing economic interests with national security concerns. The recent military encounter serves as a reminder of the challenges that persist in the region, underscoring the need for clear communication and diplomatic engagement.
