(Repeats for wider distribution, no change to text) SYDNEY, Oct 20 (Reuters) – Australia has raised concerns with Beijing after a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares near one of its maritime patrol planes, the defence department said on Monday, labelling the incident "unsafe and unprofessional". The Chinese jet released flares in close proximity to an Australian maritime patrol plane carrying out surveillance in the South China Sea, posing a risk to the latter craft and its crew, Australia's defence department said in a statement. "This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre," it added. "Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner." No injuries were reported in the encounter between the People’s Liberation Army jet and
RPT-Australia flags China's 'unsafe' flare drop in aerial encounter

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