‘Serious safety incident’: Australian Defence Force says Chinese ship shone laser at RAAF aircraft
GuardianNov 27, 2021
Australia PM Calls Chinese Navy Incident that Injured Diver 'Dangerous'
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The Facts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized China for acting dangerously and damaging ties after an incident in international waters off Japan on Tuesday between a Chinese warship and an Australian navy vessel.
According to Australia, naval divers from HMAS Toowoomba had been underwater attempting to untangle fishing nets from the vehicle's propellers. The nearby Chinese destroyer Ningbo was informed of the matter and requested to stay away, but the destroyer used its sonar, injuring one diver.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China's warships have a long history of acting in a dangerous and provocative manner. The reckless actions of the Chinese Navy and Air Force have even caused American, Canadian, and Australian militaries to fear the sudden, localized eruption of conflict. China must ensure all members of its armed forces communicate with and respect other nation's militaries to avoid incidents like this in future.
Pro-China narrative
Despite swirling allegations, the exact location of this incident remains disputed. The Australian warship claimed to have been in the Japanese economic zone, but it was in fact operating in Chinese waters. The Chinese destroyer therefore acted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations by following the Toowoomba's activity at a close distance. Australia should stop stirring up trouble at China's doorstep and instead work to improve and develop relations between the two countries.
