On September 12, Chinese state media released footage of — what it claims is an interception of a foreign military aircraft by Chinese fighter jets near its territorial waters.
The video, reportedly from a 2022 incident, shows a Chinese J-16 fighter jet intercepting an aircraft believed to be an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane in international airspace over the South China Sea.
The footage depicts a tense encounter between the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with the Chinese jet flying dangerously close to the Australian aircraft.
According to the video, the J-16 fighter jet fired flares and chaff — aluminum fragments — into the flight path of the P-8, which were reportedly sucked into its engine. The proximity and maneuvers posed a significant safety risk to the Australian aircraft and its crew.
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At the time of the incident, which took place on May 26, 2022, an Australian defense spokesperson confirmed that the Australian aircraft was conducting a routine maritime surveillance mission in the region when it was intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet.
In a documentary, China released a real footage of PLA J16 intercepting Australian P-8A Poseidon by releasing IR decoy flare.
— Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) September 13, 2024
Following the May 26, 2022, incident, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his disapproval of the Chinese military’s actions and stated that Australia had formally communicated its concerns via appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Australian government raised concerns with China over the “dangerous” intercept, stating that the maneuver endangered the safety of the P-8 and its crew.
More than two years after the event, the video was broadcast as part of a Chinese military documentary. However, EurAsian Times is unable to independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
In the documentary, the J-16 pilot, Zhang Zhanfang, described the Australian aircraft as a “strong enemy” and emphasized his determination to drive it away. “At that time, I had no idea, only one thought: to drive him away,” Zhang said.
He further described the encounter as a test of bravery, saying, “The brave will win in close combat so long as they flash their sword and confront their enemy.”
The footage, aired as part of Chinese military propaganda, underscores ongoing tensions between China and Western nations over contested areas in the South China Sea.
China claims nearly the entire region as its territory despite international disputes and the presence of foreign military patrols.
Australia Yet to Verify Video’s Authenticity
An Australian defense spokesperson declined to comment on the authenticity of the recently released video allegedly showing a Chinese fighter jet intercepting an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.
However, the spokesperson said that Australia expects all nations to conduct military operations professionally and safely.
“The Australian Defence Force has, for decades, undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law. These activities form part of Australia’s longstanding contribution to regional security and stability. The ADF will continue to exercise the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the spokesperson added.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, reiterated on September 18 that the video has not been verified. He reaffirmed that freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters is central to Australia’s national interest and emphasized that the ADF operates within international law to uphold a rules-based order.
Marles also noted that while Australia engages in dialogue with China, it calls out unsafe or unprofessional incidents when necessary. He added that Australia seeks to stabilize its relationship with China, working together where possible and addressing disagreements when required.
The video has also drawn criticism from the Australian opposition. The opposition described the footage as troubling “propaganda” and urged the Prime Minister to address the matter with China’s President.
Shadow Defense Minister Andrew Hastie remarked that if the video was genuine; it demonstrated how fortunate Australian personnel were to avoid injury or worse during the 2022 encounter. He labeled the conduct as highly dangerous, with the potential for catastrophic damage to the aircraft and its crew.
Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham also condemned the video, calling it an unacceptable glorification of risky military behavior.
Birmingham pointed out the increasing number of incidents involving China’s military, not only toward Australia but also regional partners like the Philippines, that risk escalation and miscalculation.
He expressed concern that the video portrays Australia as an adversary, a stance contrary to the relationship Australia aims to maintain with China.
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