Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concerns about a recent military incident involving a Chinese fighter jet during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The encounter occurred in the South China Sea, where a Chinese aircraft released flares near an Australian surveillance plane. This discussion took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Albanese emphasized that he raised the issue directly with Premier Li, stating, "He heard the message very directly. I'm not here to report on what people say when I have meetings. I'm accountable for what I say, and I made the position directly clear that this was an incident of concern for Australia."

The Australian government lodged a diplomatic protest with China following the incident, which Defence Minister Richard Marles described as "unprofessional and unsafe." In response, China's Defence Ministry accused Australia of spreading "twisted propaganda."

During the meeting, Albanese did not disclose how Premier Li responded to his concerns. He reiterated the importance of discussing disagreements openly, saying, "Friends are able to discuss issues frankly. I did that directly, that's what we're able to do."

Albanese arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump, as both leaders participated in the ASEAN summit. He was welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In his address at the summit, Albanese outlined Australia's commitment to enhancing economic ties in the region, announcing a $175 million investment in a global investment manager linked to Australia's industry superannuation funds. This investment will target sectors such as renewable energy, telecommunications, and logistics.

Additionally, he pledged $50 million to support infrastructure projects in the Philippines and Indonesia through an Australian public-private partnership company. Albanese highlighted the shifting focus of Australia's economic partnerships, stating, "We came to recognize the opportunity of proximity, the growth and transformation, the partnerships and potential right here in Southeast Asia."

Southeast Asia is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040, according to Albanese. He is scheduled to meet with several other leaders during the summit and expressed enthusiasm about being among the first international leaders to meet Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Following the ASEAN summit, Albanese will travel to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where a significant meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated. Southeast Asian nations have been adversely affected by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, and leaders are hopeful for a reduction in these trade barriers.