China has accused Australia's military of provocative and threatening behaviour after a dangerous incident in international waters.
An Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter was forced to take evasive action to prevent being hit by flares launched by a J-10 Chinese Air Force plane on Saturday evening, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles.
The flares were dropped about 300 metres in front of the chopper and about 60 metres above it but the helicopter was unaffected and all the crew were safe.