- China’s Southern Theater Command said an Australian P-8A aircraft illegally entered Chinese airspace over the Paracel Islands on October 19.
- PLA forces tracked and warned off the aircraft, accusing Australia of violating sovereignty and raising the risk of unintended incidents.
- Beijing warned Canberra to cease provocative actions, saying Chinese forces will remain on high alert to safeguard regional stability.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command issued a formal warning after an Australian military aircraft allegedly entered Chinese-controlled airspace without authorization over the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
According to a statement released by Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Air Force, the incident occurred on October 19 when a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft “illegally entered the airspace” over the Xisha Islands, known internationally as the Paracels. China claims sovereignty over the island group, which is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
Li said PLA air and naval units were dispatched to monitor and respond to the intrusion in accordance with regulations. “The PLA Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to track, monitor, and issue warnings to the aircraft, effectively forcing it to leave the area,” Li stated.
The command accused Australia of “seriously violating China’s sovereignty” and warned that such actions could easily lead to “unintended maritime or aerial incidents.” In his remarks, Li urged Australia to “immediately cease its provocative violations.”
“The forces of the Theater Command remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability,” the spokesperson added.
Australia has not recognized China’s claims over the entire South China Sea and maintains that its flights operate within international law.
The latest episode adds to the growing tensions between Beijing and Canberra in the contested region, where military and diplomatic friction has increased in recent years. China’s warning follows a pattern of escalating language in response to foreign military activity near what it considers its territory.
The Paracel Islands have been militarized by China and remain a frequent flashpoint in its maritime disputes. The U.S. and its allies have conducted regular freedom of navigation operations in the area, often prompting Chinese protests.