The Air Force has revealed that Australian pilots and aircrew are offered counselling after they encounter Chinese military jets during patrols over the South China Sea.

Tensions are rising in the strategically important waterway, and the RAAF says it is noticing a trend of more dangerous behaviour by aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army.

“The vast majority of interactions we have with all nations are professional — safe and professional,” RAAF Chief Rob Chipman told the ABC after hosting international counterparts at the Avalon Air Show.

“There has been a trend recently where we’ve seen a more aggressive posture set, when that occurs then we raise those issues, raise those concerns, through diplomatic channels.”

The RAAF Chief says while he has no interaction with his PLA counterpart, Australia is in regular dialogue with allies who also encounter the Chinese military in the contested territory claimed by Beijing.

“We’re also very aware of how nations are interacting with each other, with our allies and partners,” Air Marshal Chipman said.

more at abc.net.au