China has accused Australia of deliberately provoking it during a patrol in the disputed South China Sea.

The Chinese government claims that Australia is spreading false information about the incident. However, Australia insists that its patrol followed international law.

The incident involved a Chinese J-16 fighter jet releasing flares within 30 meters (100 feet) of an Australian Air Force aircraft.

Australia’s defense minister described the event as unsafe and unprofessional. This comes after previous tensions between the two countries over similar military interactions.

China’s defense ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, said Australia had violated China’s rights in the region.

He accused Australia of ignoring the usual routes in the busy waterway and compared its actions to entering someone else’s home uninvited. Zhang defended China’s response, calling it a legitimate act to protect sovereignty.

“We urge Australia to stop taking risks and making false accusations,” Zhang stated.

The South China Sea remains a highly contested region, with multiple countries claiming parts of it. This latest dispute adds to the ongoing tensions between China and Australia over military operations in the area.