9 News: A Chinese J-16 jet flew "very close" to a RAAF P-8A Poseidon, set off flares and dropped chaff in its path as it conducted routine surveillance in the South China Sea on May 26.

Routine surveillance being spying - which they all do, like there's no tomorrow.

Aus says it was international waters - China says otherwise.

Zhao Lijian, Foreign Ministry spokesperson: The Australian military aircraft seriously threatened China's sovereignty and security, and the response measures taken by the Chinese military were professional, safe, reasonable and legal.

The Australian side sought to confound black and white and repeatedly spread the false narrative which is aimed at inciting antagonism and confrontation.

We urge the Australian side to immediately stop such dangerous and provocative acts and seriously dissuade its air and naval forces from such acts. Otherwise, any serious consequence arising therefrom shall be borne by the Australian side.

Zhao is the classic wolf diplomat - he may have invented it. There's a reason why he does it - bullying works.

Evidenced by Albanese's mission to 'repair relations with China' since he got elected.

Doubt they would try that on the US.