China's ability to behave responsibly on the world stage has been called into question after its military's "unprofessional" decision to drop flares in the flight path of an Australian Navy helicopter.
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The Albanese government pushed back against Beijing's claims an Australian Seahawk was spying on Chinese military activities.
Speaking from Hawaii, head of the US Air Force in the Pacific General Kevin Schneider labelled the Yellow Sea incident earlier in May an "unsafe, unprofessional act".
"It calls into question the motivation of the PLA (People's Liberation Army) and it calls into question their ability for responsible behaviour on the world stage," Gen Schneider said.
"I am concerned and others are concerned about the risk of escalation that an event like this could have greater consequences."
Gen Schneider said there had been a "step forward" in communication with Chinese counterparts after a military maritime meeting in Hawaii.
"I would say that there are continued opportunities for us to improve the mil-to-mil dialogue, to help a greater level of understanding and to be able to work through the challenges," he said.
Gen Schneider met with Australia's air force chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman during his time in the country for the Air and Space Power Conference in Canberra in May.
He said the long trek to the nation's bush capital for a short time was a "no-brainer" because the relationship with Australia "absolutely matters".
Australian National University expert associate Jennifer Parker said the nation was "very lucky that we have not lost people in some of these incidents".
She said the latest incident was more surprising because it had occurred within the context of increased military dialogue.
"The problem is that clearly there has been a policy within the PLA, including both the navy and the air force, encouraging the ship drivers and their pilots to be aggressive towards other navies operating in East Asia and the South China Sea," Ms Parker said.
For the first time, the premier F-22 Raptor stealth fighters will be flying in the Royal Australian Air Force's Exercise Pitch Black, in the Northern Territory from mid-July.
Major General Brandon Parker, director of air and cyberspace operations for the US Pacific Air Forces, said there was a "profound strength" that came from training together with different kinds of aircraft.
"It'll enhance the quality of that training which is vital to our deterrent message," he said.
"It's important that we continue to innovate.
"We don't rest on what we've done before, but we look for new and unique ways to make ourselves better."
Asked about US commitment to the AUKUS pact, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines, Gen Schneider said treaties and alliances remained "steadfast" and outlasted changing administrations.
Australian Associated Press
