Australia to probe claims its ex-defense pilots training military in China

ANKARA (AA) – Australia on Wednesday announced launching an investigation to check if any of its retired defense pilots is serving in China for the purpose of military training, local media reported.

The announcement came after reports that some former British military jet and helicopter pilots are in China, training pilots for an annual salary of £240,000 ($272,000).

“I have asked the department to investigate these claims and come back to my office with clear advice on this matter,” ABC News quoted Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles as saying.

Marles said if any Australian was found serving in China, it would be “deeply shocking and disturbing.”

On Tuesday, British Minister of State for Armed Forces James Heappey said the Chinese army's employment of former British fighter pilots is concerning for the UK.

“We have approached the people that are involved and being clear with them that it is our expectation that they would not continue to be part of that organization,” he said.

“And we are going to put into law that once people have been given that warning it will become an offense to then go forward and continue with that training.”

UK authorities also issued a "threat alert" to warn serving and former military personnel against such attempts to recruit them, mainly by third-party contractors.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid