Potential 'connection’ between Australia's support for Philippines and China's flare stunt
ASPI Senior Fellow Mark Watson says there may be “some connection” between Australia, the US and Japan announcing they would provide enhanced support to the Philippines against China and the military incident with China over the weekend.
A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in front of an Australian Navy helicopter in international waters off the coast of South Korea on Saturday evening.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has labelled the incident as unacceptable.
“Just last week, the Australian, US and Japanese governments made an announcement that they would provide enhanced support to the Philippines in confronting China’s aggressive actions against the Philippines’ maritime elements,” Mr Watson told Sky News Australia.
Potential ‘connection’ between Australia’s support for Philippines and China’s flare stunt
“You could perhaps draw a direct line from this announcement last week … and then the following week, lo and behold, we have an incident that says don’t forget we’re the PLA Air Force, we can do stuff where we want to.
“I’m saying you can absolutely draw that connection, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say there’s some connection.”