China accused Australia on Friday of intentionally provoking tensions with a maritime patrol in the contested South China Sea earlier this week, claiming that Australia was disseminating “false narratives.” In contrast, Australia asserted that its actions were in compliance with international law.

The incident involved a statement from Australia’s defense minister, who reported that a Chinese PLA J-16 jet released flares within 30 meters (100 feet) of an RAAF aircraft. This event occurs against a backdrop of strained relations, characterized by what Australia has described as dangerous interactions between their navy and air force.

The remarks from Friday followed Australia’s earlier assertion of “unsafe and unprofessional” conduct by the Chinese jet during a routine surveillance operation in international waters on Tuesday, a claim that Beijing contests.

“Australia has deliberately violated China’s rights in the South China Sea and provoked China, yet it is the one portraying itself as a victim while spreading false narratives,” stated Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry.

Zhang further accused the Australian military aircraft of neglecting established routes in the heavily trafficked waterway, asserting that it “intruded into the territory” of others. He emphasized that China’s response was a reasonable and legitimate defense of its sovereignty.

“We call on Australia to relinquish its misguided notions of speculation and adventure,” Zhang remarked, urging Australia to exercise restraint with its naval and air forces rather than “creating disturbances” in the South China Sea that could harm both others and itself.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated to reporters, “We consider this action to be unsafe. We have made that position clear,” prior to the comments from China. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the Australian aircraft was operating in international airspace, noting, “The pilot of the Chinese J16 had no control over where the flares would land.” Marles also highlighted the increasing risks associated with the Australian military’s exercise of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

“We conduct our operations in line with international law,” he mentioned in a previous interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday. “We are not the only nation engaged in this practice. It is crucial that we uphold the established rules of engagement.” China asserts extensive claims over the South China Sea, which conflict with claims from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Furthermore, China dismisses a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which stated that its broad claims lack support under international law.