China navy used sonar pulses against divers, Australia says

Australia has accused China's navy of using sonar pulses in an incident in international waters that resulted in Australian divers suffering injuries. The warship approached an Australian frigate as divers were clearing fishing nets from its propellers, he said. The Chinese ship then emitted dangerous sonar pulses, the minister added. The divers suffered minor injuries that were likely caused by the sonar, Mr Marles said. The Australian long-range frigate HMAS Toowoomba had communicated its intention to conduct diving operations on normal maritime channels, and using internationally recognised signals, the statement said. According to the Diving Medical Advisory Committee, a London-based body, high levels of underwater sound can cause "Dizziness, hearing damage or other injuries" to divers. Australian has expressed concern over China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.