- 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.
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“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.