The Australian government stated that divers were injured when the Chinese navy used sonar while removing fishing nets underwater.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles raised concerns with the Chinese government regarding the “unsafe and unprofessional” use of the technology, following similar complaints from the United States, Canada, and Australia about alleged actions by the Chinese military in the Western Pacific.
Marles mentioned that HMAS Toowoomba was in international waters in Japan’s exclusive economic zone on Tuesday when a fishing net got caught in its propeller and that it supported the United Nations in imposing sanctions on the region.
He described how a PLA-N destroyer (DDG-139) approached HMAS Toowoomba during a dive operation and attached to the hull, causing Australian divers to sustain minor injuries likely due to sonar pulses from the Chinese destroyer.
Sonar uses sound waves to create images of what’s happening underwater. When used at high levels, it can cause dizziness and possibly organ damage.
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Opposition politician James Patterson stated that the incident occurred after the prime minister visited China to build closer ties. He mentioned that “While China wants to improve relations with Australia, it is taking dangerous actions that put the safety of Australian personnel at risk,”
China did not immediately respond to the accusation.
Source: news.sky.com
