SYDNEY: Australian navy divers were `likely` injured by sonar pulses emitted by a Chinese warship this week, the country`s defence minister alleged on Saturday, accusing Beijing of `unsafe and unprofessional` conduct at sea.

Richard Marles said the HMAS Toowoomba a long-range frigate had been supporting United Nations sanctions enforcement efforts within Japan`s exclusive economic zone.

The divers had plunged into the water to clear fishing nets from the ship`s propeller, Marles said, when the vessel was approached by a Chinese destroyer. `Despite acknowledging Toowoomba`s communications, the Chinese vessel approached at a closer range,` he added in a statement that did not reveal the number of divers involved.

`Soon after, it was detected operating its hullmounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers, who were forced to exit the water.` The divers sustained minor injuries that doctors believed were `likely` linked to the sonar pulses, Marles said. `This is unsafe and unprofessional conduct,` he said.

`Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a professional and safe manner.` China and Australia have been working to patch up their once-close trading relationship after years of bickering and tit-for-tat reprisals.-AFP