BEIJING (Reuters) -- China accused Australia on Friday of deliberate provocations with a maritime patrol in the disputed South China Sea this week, saying the latter was spreading "false narratives," though Australia maintained its action adhered to international law.
The incident, in which Australia's defense minister said a Chinese PLA J-16 jet released flares within 30 meters of an RAAF aircraft, comes amid ties strained by navy and air force interactions that Australia has called dangerous.
