The encounter follows a string of similar complaints about allegedly unsafe Chinese military activities in recent years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms the Australian Defence Force will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the Gulf to help protect and defend the region, providing long-range reconnaissance activity.

"It would be quite straightforward to not be on the consoles or in the control room" during a recent U.S. submarine torpedo kill, said one analyst.

France, Spain and Australia are among the countries to deploy military assets to the Middle East after Cyprus attacks.

The Security Assistance Command has completed a foreign military sales case to deliver two out of 29 AH-64E Apache helicopters to partner country

The E-7A Wedgetail and supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will be deployed for an initial four weeks in support of the collective self-defence of Gulf nations. Additionally, in response to a request, the Albanese Government intends to provide Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to the UAE.

A People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter and a Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk had an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” last week over the Yellow Sea. The Australian government said its MH-60R was forced to take evasive action March 4 after the Chinese helicopter matched the MH-60R’s altitude and closed in to an unsafe distance.

The Albanese government has refused to reveal who asked Australia to play a military role in the Middle East, declining to disclose details of requests under consideration.

Human Rights Watch letter to Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, regarding Indonesia and security forces vetting.

SYDNEY, March 6 (Reuters) - Australia has raised concerns with China following an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter between two military helicopters, the defence department said on Friday. An Australian military helicopter was flying over international waters in the Yellow Sea when it was intercepted by a Chinese helicopter on Wednesday,