BLUF
Chief of Air Force (CAF) confirmed that the RAAF would continue with South China Sea surveillance flights despite a "recent spate of unsafe incidences"—he called on the Chinese military to adhere to professional standards.Summary
Andrew Greene writing for ABC News covered CAF's meeting with the: US Air Force Secretary.
- Speaking alongside the Secretary, Air Marshal Chipman (CAF) noted the following.
- China has a "formidable aerospace capability", but it's unlikely there will be an increase in Australian and Chinese aircraft incidents.
- He noted that China has a very capable military—but it is not impenetrable.
- Australia can deliver military effects in the national interest.
- The high standard of RAAF personnel contributes to Australia's ability to operate in contested environments.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- A flare up in China’s deliberate pattern of aggression - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Lowy Institute Paper: Australia's South China Sea Challenges -The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- ‘Short of War’: No Peace in the South China Sea - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- CIA chief: Putin's war on Ukraine forcing China Taiwan invasion rethink - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- AUG 2022 We’ll still fly over South China Sea, says new RAAF chief- Australian Aviation
- AUG 2022 Beijing’s air defences of South China Sea ‘not impenetrable’- Financial Review
