Understanding ChinaNews & analysis

China Denies Australia’s Claim That Warship Used Sonar Against Divers

Beijing calls Canberra irresponsible over allegations it tried to hurt divers removing nets from Australian navy frigate’s propellers

Nov. 20, 2023 11:11 am ET

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Col. Wu Qian said China ‘didn’t engage in any activities that might affect the Australian diving operations.’ Photo: SHUBING WANG/REUTERS

China pushed back against Australia’s allegations that a Chinese warship used sonar pulses to target Australian navy divers and injure them.

A spokesman for China’s Defense Ministry said late Monday that Australia’s account of the encounter last week between a Chinese destroyer and divers removing fishing nets from the propellers of an Australian navy frigate near Japan was “completely inconsistent with the facts.” 

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