Chinese ship used laser on aircraft: Govt

The laser was detected coming from a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel, a statement on Saturday said.

"Illumination of the aircraft by the Chinese vessel is a serious safety incident," it says.

"We strongly condemn unprofessional and unsafe military conduct.

"These actions could have endangered the safety and lives of the ADF personnel."

The vessel was in the company of another Chinese ship and sailing east through the Arafura Sea at the time of the incident.

Both ships have since passed through the Torres Strait and are in the Coral Sea.