China accuses Australian navy helicopter of flying near airspace in ‘provocative move’

Foreign ministry says Chinese jet pilot took ‘necessary measures at the scene’ after Australia claimed flares were released in front of helicopter

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China’s foreign ministry has accused an Australian navy helicopter of deliberating flying “within close range” of Chinese airspace in a “provocative move” in the latest military altercation between the two nations on the high seas.

The Australian government claimed China released flares in front of the helicopter in the Yellow Sea as the HMAS Hobart participated in United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

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