SYDNEY, Feb 20, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Australia's prime minister accused China
of an "act of intimidation" on Sunday after Canberra said a Chinese naval
vessel shone a laser at one of the country's defence aircraft.

  The ship was one of two Chinese navy vessels sailing through waters off
Australia's northern coast on Thursday when it illuminated a surveillance
aircraft in an incident that had "the potential to endanger lives," the
defence department said.

  "I can see it no other way than an act of intimidation," Prime Minister
Scott Morrison said, terming the act "unwarranted and unprovoked".

  Australia's Defence Minister Peter Dutton echoed his concerns, saying it
was "a very aggressive act".

  "I think the Chinese government is hoping that nobody talks about these
aggressive bullying acts," Dutton told Sky News on Sunday.

  According to the defence ministry, the ships were sailing east through the
Arafura Sea, just north of Australia.

  The Chinese government has not responded to the allegations from Australia.

  China last faced accusations of targeting Australian aircraft using
military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were
illuminated over the South China Sea.