China has fired flares at an Australian reconnaissance aircraft over the disputed South China Sea, triggering fresh tensions. According to Australian officials, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares near an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft in contested waters. Australia’s defense department has lodged a formal complaint, expressing concerns over the incident. Beijing, however, defended its actions, stating that the Australian aircraft had entered its territory illegally, and the response was a restrained yet professional enforcement of its sovereignty.