Defence Minister Richard Marles has revealed that “enough evidence” has emerged into claims that former RAAF personnel are training Chinese pilots to warrant a review of current laws.
However, Marles crucially refused to tell reporters whether it had been confirmed that any Australians were involved.
It follows reports last month that China had been reaching out to former UK and Australian pilots. It was shortly followed by local police arresting a former US Marine Corps pilot and flight instructor at the request of US authorities for his work in China.
“The information provided to me so far presents enough evidence to warrant the need for a detailed examination into the adequacy of current Defence policies and procedures addressing this matter,” Minister Marles said in a statement.