China has hit back over its mid-air interception of an Australian surveillance plane in the South China Sea that risked the lives of the aircraft’s crew.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance patrol in the region on Tuesday when it was challenged by two Chinese J-16 fighter jets.

One of those fired a flare just 30 metres in front of the Australian aircraft.

Australia has launched an official protest with China over the interception, describing it as unsafe and unprofessional.

But overnight, the Chinese foreign ministry said the RAAF plane “violated” China’s sovereignty, and Beijing has launched its own protest.

“The Australian military airplane deliberately intruded into China’s airspace over Xisha Qundao without China’s permission. Such a move violated China’s sovereignty and undermined China’s national security,” said ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

“The Chinese side took legitimate, lawful, professional and restrained measures to expel the airplane.”

Guo said Australia should cease “provocations” in the South China Sea and work for “peace and stability” in the region.

There were no injuries to the 12 Australian Defence Force (ADF) crew or damage to the RAAF P-8A.

The Defence Department said yesterday the plane had been flying over international airspace.

“The safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.

“For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace.”