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Chinese Navy ships in the Pacific Ocean
Photo: HANDOUT/AFP
According to the Australian government, a Chinese naval ship aimed a laser at an Australian surveillance aircraft, "endangering lives".
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison accused China on Sunday of an "act of intimidation" that was "unfounded and without cause".
Australia's Defense Minister Peter Dutton also spoke of a "very aggressive act".
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According to the Ministry of Defense in Canberra, the incident happened off the north Australian coast.
Two Chinese Navy ships were underway in the Arafura Sea there, one of which pointed the laser at the Australian Army surveillance aircraft.
"I think the Chinese government hopes nobody talks about such harassment," Dutton said on Sky News on Sunday.
China initially did not respond to the Australian allegations.