‘Malign Behaviour’: Australian Navy Divers Injured by Sonar From Chinese Destroyer

‘This is incredibly risky, inappropriate behaviour, and frankly, not the act of a friend,’ said Shadow Home Affairs Minister.

China's research and survey vessel, the Yuan Wang 5, arrives at Hambantota port on August 16, 2022. ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has condemned the behaviour of a Chinese destroyer after it turned on a sonar device near an Australian ship, causing injuries to Australian Navy divers.

In a statement, Mr. Marles criticised the Chinese vessel for its “unsafe and unprofessional conduct” and said the Australian government has expressed “serious concerns” to the Chinese regime regarding the event.