Defence Minister Peter Dutton was warned that China is heading down a “very worrying path” after an incident between a Chinese vessel and an Australian aircraft last week.

A military-grade laser was pointed from a Chinese naval ship at an Australian military aircraft which was flying over Australian territorial waters.

Mr Dutton said incidents in which China seek to exert their “power and influence” are becoming more common.

“I think it’s best that we speak up about it so we can deter any further action,” he said on 6PR Breakfast.

“Because you don’t want escalations, and you don’t want people to be conducting themselves in this way.”

The Defence Minsiter added he was worried with the direction that China was heading in.

“In the end we want to have a good, strong relationship with China, they’re an important trading partner,” he said.

“They are heading down a very different path, and a very worrying path.

“Evidence based recently by their declaration that there would be a very close bond and working relationship between China and Russia.”

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