- China had previously been accused of harassing Canadian pilots while on patrol to monitor UN sanctions against North Korea.
- China has accused Canadian military planes of increasing reconnaissance and “provocations” against the country; and has warned Ottawa of “grave consequences.”
- China’s defence ministry condemned Canada’s activities, saying they jeopardised the Asian country’s national security; while the foreign ministry said the air patrol was illegal.
Read More: China military aircrafts hovering over Asia: Canada
Read More: Chinese fighter jet ‘chaffs’ an Australian plane near the South China Sea
“The UN Security Council has never authorised any government to conduct military surveillance in other countries’ waters or airspace in the name of imposing sanctions,” said Zhao Lijian; a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry. The remarks follow Canada’s accusation last week that China harassed its patrol aircraft during UN-backed flights to monitor North Korean sanctions evasions. The Chinese military took acceptable measures to deal with Canada’s activities; according to Wu Qian, a spokeswoman for the Chinese defence ministry, and has made “solemn representations” through diplomatic channels.
