(VOVWORLD) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a Chinese naval vessel that pointed a laser at an Australian defence plane was potentially visible from Australia's mainland, as Canberra demands a "full investigation" by Beijing.
 A Chinese navy guided missile destroyer (L) and amphibious transport dock vessel are seen leaving the Torres Strait and entering the Coral Sea on February 18, 2022. (Australian Air Force handout via AFP) |
Morrison said on radio on Monday his government had not received an explanation from China over the incident last Thursday, considered by Canberra as a "dangerous and reckless act".
A Chinese navy vessel within Australia's exclusive economic zone directed a laser at an Australian military aircraft in flight over Australia's northern approaches, illuminating the plane and potentially endangering lives, Australia's defence said on Saturday.
Australia had called through diplomatic and defence channels for "a full investigation into this event", Morrison said on local radio.
Beijing has not commented publicly about the incident.