Australia wants 'full investigation' into China laser incident - Morrison

SYDNEY, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Australia's prime minister said on Monday a Chinese naval vessel that pointed a laser at an Australian military aircraft was so close to Australia's coast that it possibly could have been seen from the shore, and he called for a full Chinese investigation.

Scott Morrison told media his government had not received an explanation from China over the incident last Thursday, which Australia considered "dangerous and reckless".

China said Australia's version of events did "not square up with facts" and was "disinformation".

The Chinese navy vessel within Australia's exclusive economic zone directed a laser at an Australian military aircraft over Australia's northern approaches, illuminating the plane and potentially endangering lives, Australia said on Saturday.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-wants-full-investigation-into-china-laser-incident-morrison-2022-02-21/