Australia has formally raised concerns with China after a tense aerial encounter between military helicopters over the Yellow Sea that forced an Australian aircraft to take evasive action during a routine patrol.

The incident occurred when an Australian Defence Force MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, launched from the frigate HMAS Toowoomba, was intercepted by a helicopter from the People’s Liberation Army Navy while operating in international airspace.

The Australian aircraft was conducting maritime surveillance linked to Operation Argos, an international mission aimed at enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea.

According to Australian defence officials, the Chinese helicopter matched the Australian aircraft’s altitude and approached to what was described as an unsafe distance.

The aircraft then accelerated ahead and performed a rolling manoeuvre toward the Australian helicopter, prompting the crew to take evasive action to maintain safe flight.

Officials in Canberra said the manoeuvre posed a risk to both the aircraft and its personnel, describing the behaviour as unsafe and unprofessional.

No injuries were reported and the Australian helicopter was not damaged during the encounter.

The Australian government confirmed it had formally raised the matter with Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels, emphasizing that the Australian vessel and aircraft were operating in accordance with international law and the widely recognized principles of freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.

HMAS Toowoomba was deployed in the region as part of a long-standing multinational effort to monitor and deter attempts by North Korea to evade international sanctions through illicit maritime activities.

Australian defence officials noted that the country has conducted maritime surveillance operations in the region for decades in support of global non-proliferation efforts.

The episode adds to a series of encounters in recent years involving Australian and Chinese military aircraft and vessels in regional waters.

Previous incidents have included close aerial approaches and the release of flares near Australian surveillance aircraft, as well as disputes involving naval vessels operating in contested maritime areas.

Despite these tensions, Australia has reiterated its expectation that all nations conduct military operations in a safe and professional manner, particularly when operating in busy international airspace where miscalculation could quickly escalate into a more serious incident.