Tensions flare in the South China Sea as a Chinese fighter jet releases flares near an Australian P-8A surveillance aircraft flying in international airspace. China claims the plane “illegally intruded” near the Paracel Islands, prompting Australian officials to condemn the actions as highly risky and unprofessional. The incident comes amid growing U.S.-China friction over rare earths and high tariffs, as the U.S. recently signed a major deal with Australia seen as a counterweight to China’s regional influence.
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