Australia was accused of malicious spreading fake news by Beijing on Monday following the claims of Canberra that a Chinese warship had directed a military laser at an Australian warplane within the latter’s exclusive economic zone.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin refuted Australia’s claims at the regular press briefing pointing out that the Chinese ship had not committed any wrongdoing against the Australian warplane and was abiding by international law.
Wang urged Canberra to respect Chinese vessels’ legitimate rights in accordance with international law in relevant seas and stop malicious spread of disinformation
The Australian defense department reported on Saturday that a laser was shone last Thursday from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) vessel at an Australian surveillance aircraft off the coast of Australia’s northern reach.
According to the photos Canberra released, a Luyang-class guided missile destroyer and a Yuzhao-class amphibious transport dock vessel were within Australia’s exclusive economic zone, traveling through the Arafura Sea at the time of the incident that Australia described as a dangerous, reckless, and irresponsible act.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for a full investigation into the serious safety incident, immediately demanding answers on the weekend and accusing China’s Communist government of intimidation.
Thursday’s incident comes after a week where the government in Canberra attempted to shift the national conversation to defense and security, accusing the Labor Party of being weak on China.
Australia’s relations with China have deteriorated greatly in recent years, especially after Canberra’s decision to cut Chinese firms out of its 5G infrastructure projects and Morrison’s call for an independent inquiry into the source of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Beijing responded swiftly and imposed extensive trade restrictions and tariffs on several of key Australian exports including wine, barley, beef, and coal.
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