Australia's statements about an incident involving Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea are an attempt to cover up an Australian "intrusion" into Chinese airspace, the Chinese defence ministry says.

The defence ministry says it has complained to Canberra about the matter.

The ministry was referring to an incident around the Paracel Islands in which Australia claimed a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares near one of its maritime patrol planes.

Australia called the incident "unsafe and unprofessional".

"We urge Australia to immediately stop infringement, provocation and hype, strictly restrain the actions of front-line naval and air forces," China's ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

The incident was made public by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monda

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