Prime Minister Scott Morrison says demands for Beijing to explain why a Chinese naval vessel targeted an Australian defence aircraft with a military grade laser have gone unanswered.
Mr Morrison has insisted a full investigation must take place into how such a “reckless and dangerous” act could be carried out by “what is supposed to be a professional defence force”.
“We haven't received an explanation as yet. What we’ve called for, working through the diplomatic and defence channels, is a full investigation into this event and for them to provide answers to how this dangerous act could be undertaken,” Mr Morrxjmtzywison told 2GB.
“This is a dangerous and reckless act, and worse it can be seen as I said yesterday as an act of intimidation and bullying.”
Australia’s defence department reported a laser emanating from a People’s Liberation Army vessel illuminated a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft last Thursday.
The aircraft was in Australia’s exclusive economic zone off the country’s Top End.
“Could you imagine if that had been an Australian frigate up in the Taiwan Strait and they were pointing lasers at Chinese surveillance aircraft?” Mr Morrison said.
“Could you imagine the reaction to that in Beijing?”
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said he would write to his Chinese counterpart.
But he conceded it was unlikely he receive a response, given the ongoing tension between Canberra and Beijing.
“We will see what sort of response, if any, we get,” he told the
“We want that open dialogue, we want a good relationship. But Australia is not going to be bullied, we aren't going to walk away from our obligations to the rule of law.”
He said the attack had the potential to risk Australian lives.
“This is not a laser that you buy down at the shop,” Mr Dutton said.
“This is a military technique and it is military-grade equipment.”
